‘What a Leader’: Narube

To fully understand the breadth and the depth of the contributions of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna to Fiji, one must look back at the path that our beloved Fiji has come through in the last two decades.

Unity Fiji Leader, Savenaca Narube said it was very timely that we remember the legacies of the great statesman, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.

Ratu Sukuna put the interest of the people first and foremost, he said.

“He was visionary,” Mr Narube said.

“He could see that in our small country, it is important to build unity, harmony, and cooperation amongst all ethnic groups.

“His insightful three-legged stool was exemplary of his vision.

“Many people tend to narrowly interpret the three-legged stool to institutions.

“But it should apply widely to communities and people.”

He also said that Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna stepped up when Fiji needed a great leader.

Amidst the British colonisers, he designed and framed the iTaukei institutions to what they are today.

“I imagined that it was not a very easy operating environment for Ratu Sukuna to work under,” he said.

“But due to his leadership qualities, and his humble approach, I believed he commanded the respect of the British Government at that time.”

He firmly said Fiji needs a leader like Ratu Sukuna right now.

“A leader that has a vision for the country. A leader that has integrity. A leader that puts people first. A leader that commands the respect of the people,” he said.

“We owe Ratu Sukuna a lot for his legacy to the people of Fiji.

“We are where we are because of great thinkers like him.

“Fiji would be a totally different country if it was not for the great statesman.

“We should continue to remind our children and grandchildren of the achievements of Ratu Sukuna.

“But more so, we should showcase to our leaders of tomorrow the attributes of Ratu Sukuna and urge them to reflect integrity, visionary, putting others first, and mutual respect, in their lives.

“This will augur well for the future unity, harmony, wellbeing, and prosperity of our beloved Fiji.”

In his contribution to the panel discussion on Ratu Sukuna Day last year at the University of Fiji, Mr Narube said that the Chief’s three-legged stool should also mean the People with different ethnicities, the Authorities and the Church.

He said the prime responsibilities of the Authorities and the Church is to care for the people.

“This is an opportune time for the Coalition Government to take a step back and heed the wisdom of Ratu Sukuna,” he said.

“The people of Fiji are facing a very difficult time.

“The most pressing issues, in my view, are the rising poverty and the explosion of drugs amongst our youth.

“These two issues are connected.”

In a recent interview, Mr Narube urged the Church to get involved in combating the increasing drug usage in our country.

“I am very encouraged when I heard a Church leader announced on Sunday 26th May that he was leading the charge against drugs,” he said.

“I salute this great leader. We need more like him.”

Feedback: romeka.kumari@fijisun.com.fj