President Warns, No Free Riders

Fiji’s new President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu yesterday called on the chiefs of Fiji to step up and take responsibility.

He challenged them to lead by example and not expect others to do their work for them.

In a direct address to a delega-tion from the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) who welcomed him at the State House yesterday, Ratu Naiqama emphasised the importance of self-reliance and active leadership.

The remarks were part of his maiden speech as President after his inauguration yesterday.

It was on the eve of the two-day GCC meeting, which begins today at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

“For a chief to be strong and mighty, they need to be self-dependent,” Ratu Naiqama said.

“You need to be able to feed and fend for yourselves. Only then will your people be able to look up to you as a leader.”

Ratu Naiqama’s message was clear; chiefs must set the example in their communities by being proactive and showing leadership in practical ways.

He highlighted that if there is a fundraising initiative in a village, it is the responsibility of the chief to be the first to contribute, both in action and re-sources.

“You need to be leading. You need to be showing examples. If we want our communities to follow, chiefs need to be the ones leading from the front.”

The President also took aim at what he described as a “free-rider” mentality among some chiefs, stressing that those in leadership roles should not rely on others to carry the burden.

“You can’t be free-riding around. It’s no longer time for free rides. You need to sweat for your own food and drink. You cannot expect others to do the hard work for you.”

Ratu Naiqama also highlighted the importance of education, noting that chiefs must be well-educated to be effective leaders.

“When you’re a chief, you should always be leading and setting examples to your peo-ple. Whatever comes from your mouth also needs to be what you practice.”

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