I sit to reflect on the celebration of Fiji Day on October 10, 2016.
This special day marks the 46th year of Fiji’s independence from its colonial ruler, Great Britain.
It is a marvel to watch the many celebrations around Fiji at national level as well as in communities.
When I dwell deep into the celebration of this day year after year since when it began, and the changes that followed within our Fijian society, I start to wonder whether Fiji really did gain independence on October 10, 1970.
When Prince Charles represented the Royal family on the said day, it was indeed a great occasion that will remain recorded in Fiji’s history, however, I believe all he returned was the leadership role to be changed from Britain to Fiji, I believe the system of governance remained as it was that of our colonial ruler.
I believe this same system which remained and Fiji is not independent from, even though on one hand may have helped Fiji to be a so-called democratic country, on the other hand, it is slowly crushing our family, cultural and traditional values hence we face as many problems today than 45 years ago.
The question, I raise is, did Fiji really gain its independence?
Sukha Singh in his letter to the editor titled “Independence” (11/10/16), did inquire on some of the significant changes that have happened throughout the years and I want to advise my friend from Labasa, such things happened because I believe Fiji never really gained independence.
