Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi Quotes - 2
More Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi Quotes - 2
The issue which concern all of us as citizens of this country, irrespective of our political beliefs and ethnicity, is this: if we are to forbear all legal proceedings against the perpetrators of the events of 19 May 2000 what does that say about our sense of right and wrong? What does it say to those that were directly and indirectly harmed by their actions? Without an accounting, we encourage repetition of this conduct, make light of the pain and suffering people endured and suggest to the impressionable that such conduct is appropriate.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Our Country at the Crossroads - 2001 Parkinson Memorial Lecture Series, 15 August 2001
It will be impossible to achieve this (keeping the people together) if the elders and chiefs have their own way and are too proud of their chiefly status to not bring themselves down to the people.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Speech to the Lau Provincial Council, 11 May 2005
There will necessarily be a tension between the church and tradition on one hand and human rights on the other.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Address to the Pacific Regional Workshop on Leadership Development, Lami, Fiji, 9 July 2005
Relationships between our ethnic communities are generally good but we need to continue weaving connections to the point where they are interwoven and unbreakable.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Nadi, 6 September 2005
The strength of Commonwealth lies in its diversity and it to be mindful of bearing economic, social, political and cultural systems which comprise its membership ... Its commonality lies in its connection to humanity, in the main it has provided an invariable forum whose members to open and continue meaningful issues of concern.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Nadi, 6 September 2005
With hindsight, the Samoa system with appropriate modifications ought to have been adopted. The complete acceptance of western democratic structures, apart from the appointment of Bose Levu Vakaturaga appointees in the Senate, in some respect was in advance of the understanding of democratic principles, particularly in the rural areas.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Our Country at the Crossroads - 2001 Parkinson Memorial Lecture Series, 15 August 2001
Not five generations distant, Fijians were cannibalizing each other. The missionaries and the colonial administration imposed a veneer of civilization on their native subjects. However, it is not apparent that they imparted to them any profound understanding of the process involved in the maintenance and upholding of the law.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Siwati Memorial Lecture, Honiara, Solomon Islands, 24 September 2004
In order to build a common identity, we must find a name with which all of us are comfortable. While I personally have no problem with the term ‘Fijian’, I recognize many others in my community are not. But let us not leave it there, let us find other options.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Calling for a national dialogue on an inclusive nationality adjective for all Fiji citizensSpeech to the Lautoka Rotary Club (Centenary Dinner), 12 March 2005
One wonders whether the ethnic categorization effort at finding solutions to problems that cross ethnic boundaries. Poverty is poverty is poverty. It does not have peculiar ethnic characteristics.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Speech to the Lautoka Rotary Club (Centenary Dinner), 12 March 2005
Opportunity marries with circumstance and is midwife to the resultant bartering of public office. The mutuality is advantage to the parties involved merely facilitates the spread of such practices. When it reaches the point of being commonplace and is pragmatically perceived as the most practical means of getting things done, it has become systemic and difficult to eradicate.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening remarks to Transparency International Pacific Regional Meeting, 13 April 2005
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.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Speech to the Fiji Law Society, 2 July 2005
This is a small country with limited resources. Can we afford the time spent on endless debates about ethnicity and identity?
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address to the Tourism Forum at the Sheraton Resort, 7 July 2005
We need to move forward and beyond the point where we endlessly pursue the demons bequeathed us by our history.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address to the Tourism Forum at the Sheraton Resort, 7 July 2005
Back then (in 1985) the issue of the day was nuclear testing, now we are faced with problems such as climate change, overfishing, deforestation, shipments of radioactive materials through Pacific waters and nuclear proliferation. We need to remain vigilant so that we won't become victims again.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Address to Greenpeace, Suva, 10 July 2005
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.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Message to cadets at Xavier College in Ba, Fiji, 27 July 2005
The critical element in this equation is developing inclusiveness that envelopes all these competing priorities (of the different ethnic groups) in a manner that is fair to all. Without it we risk remaining a divided society all the more tragic for having unfulfilled our potential.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Nadi, 6 September 2005
Inclusiveness is disguised by the ability to offer a sometimes disturbed community a vision of themselves and the means to achieve it together.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Nadi, 6 September 2005
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.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Nadi, 6 September 2005
There is some suggestion that the Fijian model ought to be adopted as being the first people, the host culture, the landowners and the majority of the population. I have no issue with that proposition, so long as it is acceptable to all other communities as well.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address, Fiji Week celebrations, 7 October 2005
Reconciliation and forgiveness is inextricably linked to the identity and unity we develop as a nation.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Opening address, Fiji Week celebrations, 7 October 2005
When you ( Military personnel) serve in uniform, you serve your country, not your mataqali, yavusa or particular vanua. You serve the larger vanua that encompasses all of us.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Poppy Drive speech, 21 October 2005
At times some of our leaders send messages that people of one single race are important and they matter only. It undermines the very fabric of our society and hurts feelings and creates a feeling of not belonging for some people.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Closing address to the National Youth Peace camp at Debua, 9 December 2005
It (education) broadens our minds and creates opportunities, equipping us with the skills and the knowledge to participate in the world beyond the classroom.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Address to Sathya Sai School in Matawalu, Ba Province, 8 February 2006
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.
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi— Address to Sathya Sai School in Matawalu, Ba Province, 8 February 2006
