TUI Suva Ratu Sanaila Madanavosa has pledged the vanua o Suva’s full support for former member of Parliament Niko Nawaikula and his advocacy for indigenous rights.
Speaking at a talanoa session organised by Mr Nawaikula’s non government organisation StandWithNiko (SWN) at the Fijian Teachers Association hall in Suva yesterday, Ratu Sanaila praised the work and efforts of SWN to advocate for iTaukei rights.
“O au sega ni kavou vei au na qai qo baleta na vanua o Suva e se tagi makawa tu mai (This movement is not new to me because the vanua o Suva has been crying for a long time),” Mr Madanavosa said.
“Me bau nanuma na kena vakayagataki na qele veikeimami na kawa ko keimami bula jiko edai (So that the generation living today could be considered in how our land is being used).
“Au vakamalemaleka vei kena i liuliu ni da bau nanumi kena ena qaravi na i tavi. (I am thankful to Mr Nawaikula for remembering us (indigenous Fijians) in this).”
He extended the vanua o Suva’s thanks and pledged support if and when the need arises.
“Kevaka e vinakati me totaki keda na tikina, keimami rawa ni veivosaki na i liuliu ni yavusa, me keimami qai mai, mai veitokoni, ena kena qaravi na i tavi (If necessary for the matter to be addressed, we can consult with the clan chiefs, so that we can come and assist in the carrying out of this duty).
“Me sa rauta na tagi, ka me vakavotukanataki e dua na ka baleti keimami (So that the crying will stop and something positive will come into fruition).”
About 50 people attended to show support for Mr Nawaikula’s advocacy.