Fiji

Having lived in the interior of Fiji from 1984-86, I share a sympathy and concern for their situation. I lived in a village, sleeping, eating, and talking as they did. Thus, I believe I understand some of what they are experiencing. Further, I am compelled to support and applaud the efforts of Lt. Col. Sitiveni Rabuka. He rallied for the traditional Fijian--the Fijian who has seen his tropical paradise change at a furious rate within the last hundred years; the Fijian who lives off the land in the bush; the Fijian who has seen ethnic Indians rise in number and economic power at their expense. Rabuka believed newly elected Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra was allowing the Indians another step forward, a step former Prime Minister Ratu Kamisese did not allow.

Rabuka’s efforts, I am sure, have unified the Fijian spirit. This can be seen by the support of the Great Council of Chiefs. The traditional spirit of Fijians is sadly being lost to the wheels of progress. Ethnic Indians, on the other hand, are trying to gain political and economic dominance in a land they were brought to just a hundred years ago as laborers. The traditional Fijian is simply trying to live the rich cultural life his ancestors had enjoyed for generations, before the Indians arrived. Rabuka was trying to preserve his people’s heritage. I, like my village people, support his heroic effort, and hope the problems are soon resolved in favor of the Fijians.

PAUL LITTLE JR.

La Mesa