THE Vanua o Kabara gathered in Suva on Saturday to honour Filimone Jitoko’s appointment as Speaker of Parliament, marking a significant milestone for both his personal journey and the community he hails from.
The traditional vakasenuqanuqa ceremony was held to celebrate Mr Jitoko’s appointment.
Addressing his kinsmen, Mr Jitoko spoke about the transformative power of education for the people of Kabara.
“If there is one thing I would like to stress, it is the importance of education,” Mr Jitoko said.
“Education has opened doors for the people of Kabara, and many from our island have gone on to serve in prominent positions in this nation, paving the way for future generations.”
He urged the community, particularly the different yavusa, to take a collective responsibility for the education of their children.
“If we could establish an education trust fund to support our students in reaching the highest academic levels, we would undoubtedly witness profound impacts in the years to come.”
In his message of hope and ambition, Mr Jitoko referenced the concept of the three-legged stool – a principle that emphasises the essential balance of physical, mental and spiritual growth and integrating this value into the upbringing of every individual.
Steward chief (sauturaga) Ilaitia Maraiwai said Mr Jitoko’s journey from a rural boy to the highest levels of law and diplomacy should serve as a challenge to all of us, especially the youth.
“Nothing comes easy. There will be struggles, tears, and sweat, but with perseverance, you will reach the top of the mountain,” Mr Maraiwai said.
With a distinguished career that spans law, diplomacy, and academia, Mr Jitoko’s journey is a testament to dedication and excellence.
After serving as the solicitor-general of Fiji from 1987 to 1993, he was appointed as legal advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs. His career in public service continued as he later served as Cabinet Secretary and, Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, with concurrent accreditations to Israel, Denmark, and the Holy See.
In the early 2000s, Mr Jitoko transitioned into academia, as a respected law lecturer at the University of the South Pacific.
His journey then took him to Nauru, where he served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 2017.
Most recently, Mr Jitoko returned to Fiji in 2023 as a judge of the Court of Appeal before being appointed Speaker of Parliament.
Mr Jitoko’s remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration not only for the people of Kabara but for all Fijians.
