Joni Madraiwiwi Quotes (1957-)

“Reconciliation and forgiveness is inextricably linked to the identity and unity we develop as a nation.”

“We need to move forward and beyond the point where we endlessly pursue the demons bequeathed us by our history.”

“There will necessarily be a tension between the church and tradition on one hand and human rights on the other.”

“To say that power should have been returned to the Fijian chiefs is to ignore what occurred between 1874 and 1970.”

“However social integration cannot be forced and not proceed at the pace that the community considers uncomfortable.”

“The (racial and cultural) difference is to be celebrated, not fried or criticised, and we are so much richer for it.”

“This is a small country with limited resources. Can we afford the time spent on endless debates about ethnicity and identity?”

“The politicians pontificate and manoeuvre with eloquent manifestos and pronouncements saying little about the challenges we must confront.”

“We need to try and focus less on ethnicity in this country and concentrate on trying to improve the lot of the marginalized whoever they are.”

“Inclusiveness is disguised by the ability to offer a sometimes disturbed community a vision of themselves and the means to achieve it together.”

“It (education) broadens our minds and creates opportunities, equipping us with the skills and the knowledge to participate in the world beyond the classroom.”

“For it is only when we all believe that the Constitution and the rule of law protects all our people and their rights, can these guarantors of rights be assured.”

“It is easy to decry the nature of ethnic politics in this country. We are hostages to history and the ethnic compartmentalisation that began in the colonial era.”

“Relationships between our ethnic communities are generally good but we need to continue weaving connections to the point where they are interwoven and unbreakable.”

“It (insecurity) is a feeling that is deeply felt and is shared by most members of my community, irrespective of religion, status, education, background or place of origin.”

“Cadet corps instill discipline in its members, where you are taught basic skills such as survival in the wilderness, unarmed combat, tracking and learning how to strategise.”

“The critical element is inclusiveness. It is only when the model we adopt and implement is one all can accept, can the prospect of genuine and lasting reconciliation be real.”

“This was to no doubt reaffirm Indo-Fijian bravery, they suffered greatly under indenture and were often unfairly and needlessly provoked. They bore it with fortitude and grace.”

“Should we retain our national flag that conveys historical continuity from the days of the Cakobau government to the period of British Colonial rule, or is it time for a new one?”

“It is not our background that will count but our individual actions and initiatives. Education is the great leveller: irrespective of origin, it places everyone on the same footing.”

“Indigenous rights are those, which relate to indigenous people, their way of life, their land and their resources. They are connected in nature and the birthrights of indigenous people.”

“Those who decry the rule of law as a Western principle or an imported construct, misunderstand the concept. It is about abiding by a set of standards for the well-being of society as a whole.”