It is crucial that we begin to recognise each other as people of Ra or people of Fiji rather than always based on ethnicity.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran highlighted this during the National Federation Party Rakiraki district annual general meeting last Saturday.
“During the colonial days we have read about strong relationships and generous relationships with the two ethnic groups,” Ms Kiran said.
“Over the last 40 years we have been very much focused on the ethnic tension, all of our communities have some good and some bad elements.
“But we have often allowed politicians to use race cards to separate us.
“We are a family, and we have seen many times we suffer the cyclones together whether they are force of politics or force of nature.
“And we need to build together.”
Ms Kiran emphasised Government’s initiative of setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to look into these issues.
“I hope we will engage with the healing process; we will share our pain and decide to heal and embrace our future for solidarity and peace in Fiji.
“And it’s crucial that we begin to recognise each other as people of Ra or people of Fiji rather than always based on ethnicity.
“Since the Coalition Government has come into power, which the NFP is a part of, we have worked on many programs that support all ethnic groups.
“While some politicians have used that to create a narrative of racial divide, the Coalition Government has paid millions for land leases for many tenants who have faulted and have not been able to pay over the years.”
