MINISTER for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran and Education Minister and SODELPA leader Aseri Radrodro have condemned inflammatory remarks by Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga, calling for an apology and responsible public discourse.
The condemnation follows comments made by Mr Manumanunitoga on social media that included references to “roasting” fellow citizens in “earth ovens” and racially divisive rhetoric concerning non-indigenous Fijians and the 1874 Deed of Cession.
Ms Kiran said such language could not be dismissed as harmless political rhetoric.
“The use of threatening rhetoric, racial or exclusionary language, and imagery of violence against any community in Fiji is unacceptable, and I unequivocally condemn such statements,” she said.
She said she was particularly concerned that the remarks came from the head of an organisation representing teachers, who held positions of trust and influenced children.
“When young people hear racial or inflammatory language from people in positions of leadership, they may come to believe that such behaviour is acceptable.”
Ms Kiran stressed that Fiji’s indigenous identity, culture and traditions should never be used to justify threats or racial hostility.
She said descendants of Girmitiya were part of Fiji and had contributed to the country for generations, adding that recognising their place did not diminish the unique history and identity of iTaukei people.
“These identities do not have to compete with each other.”
Ms Kiran urged Mr Manumanunitoga to withdraw his remarks and issue an unequivocal apology.
She also called on the association to consider the matter through its appropriate processes.
Mr Radrodro said freedom of expression did not give anyone the licence to threaten others or deepen ethnic divisions.
“Having a political opinion or defending our chiefs does not give anyone a licence to use abusive language, make violent threats, or issue rhetoric that risks creating deep ethnic divisions among our people,” he said.
While reaffirming SODELPA’s commitment to indigenous heritage and traditional leadership, Mr Radrodro said respect for chiefs should not come at the expense of other communities.
“Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to intimidate.”
He called on public figures and citizens to exercise restraint and promote constructive dialogue, saying Fiji’s strength lay in peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
