Ratu Sukuna’s leadership was about duty, not privilege: Gavoka

Leadership should not be built on privilege or rank, but on the duty of care it brings, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka says.

Speaking during the 2026 Ratu Sukuna Day celebration at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday, Mr Gavoka said the late statesman understood that leadership was about sacrifice and service.

This year’s theme, “Ratu Sukuna – The Vision to Build, The Courage to Lead,” was both timely and significant, he said.

“Now, we find ourselves at a time where the character of nations is measured not just by economic uncertainty, but by the moral and social challenges that confront our people every day,” Mr Gavoka said.

“It’s in these times, when the future seems uncertain, that the steady hand of principled leadership matters.

“Ratu Sukuna understood that leadership was never about privilege. It was about duty. It was about sacrifice. It was about having the foresight to build for generations one may never live to see.”

Mr Gavoka said Ratu Sukuna served as a bridge between tradition and modernity, balancing the wisdom of the Vanua with the demands of a changing world.

He said the late chief’s influence continued through leaders who followed in his footsteps and upheld values of service, dignity, loyalty and devotion to nation and Vanua.

Mr Gavoka also acknowledged the recent passing of former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

“Ratu Epeli devoted his life to the service of Fiji — as a military officer, diplomat, statesman, high chief and President of the Republic,” he said.

“He served with humility, discipline, wisdom and an unwavering sense of duty to both Vanua and country.

“His life reflected many of the principles that Ratu Sukuna himself stood for: honourable leadership, national unity, respect for tradition and service above self.”

Mr Gavoka said Ratu Epeli’s contribution to nation-building would be remembered with gratitude and respect.

Leadership in a changing Fiji

Quoting one of Ratu Sukuna’s well-known sayings — “Proceed expeditiously but prudently” — Mr Gavoka said the message remained relevant today.

“Every generation of Fijians inherits something from Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna,” he said.

“Not just the institutions he built or the land rights he defended, but a standard of service. A reminder that leadership should not be built on privilege or rank, but the duty of care it brings.”

Mr Gavoka said Ratu Sukuna laid the foundation for much of Fiji’s economic development.

“As a nation, we must continue to move forward with confidence and ambition — developing our economy, expanding opportunities for our people, strengthening tourism, modernising civil aviation, and building stronger connections between our islands and the world,” he said.

“But progress without wisdom can weaken a nation just as surely as stagnation.

“We must therefore advance carefully, responsibly, and with deep regard for the values that define us as a people.”

Speaking on tourism, Mr Gavoka said Fiji’s greatest strength was its people and culture.

“What truly distinguishes Fiji is not simply the beauty of our beaches and resorts. It is the spirit of our people,” he said.

“It is our culture. It is the deep-rooted values of community, respect and service that live in everything we do.”

Mr Gavoka said Fiji must ensure development strengthened communities, protected heritage and created opportunities for future generations.

“In that same spirit, every aircraft that lands on our soil brings more than visitors and commerce. It carries trust,” he said.

“Trust in Fiji — trust in our stability, hospitality, safety and the promise of our future.”
He said Fiji’s unity and shared purpose would continue to guide the country forward with confidence and pride.