Vinaka Vakalevu, and blessings to you all on this sacred occasion as we celebrate Ratu Sukuna Day 2025. Today, we gather as a nation to honour the life and legacy of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, a man whose leadership, wisdom, and dedication shaped the foundation of Fiji. As we reflect on his contributions, let us turn to the Word of God to seek inspiration for the path ahead.
Ratu Sukuna exemplified the qualities of a true leader—one who does not seek power for personal gain but instead dedicates himself to the service of his people. His commitment to unity and progress resonates deeply with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who reminded us in Matthew 20:26-28, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Leadership is not measured by status, but by sacrifice. Ratu Sukuna understood that to lead a nation was to serve its people with wisdom, humility, and a vision for a brighter future. He used his knowledge and influence not for personal power but to establish systems of governance that protected the land, culture, and identity of the Fijian people.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of leaders who turned to God for wisdom in shaping their communities. Proverbs 2:6 teaches us, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Just as King Solomon sought divine wisdom to govern Israel, Ratu Sukuna relied on his principles, education, and deep sense of responsibility to build a unified Fiji. His vision of communal land ownership and leadership through service reminds us that when we walk in faith and seek God’s guidance, we can build a nation rooted in justice, unity, and prosperity.
Today, as we remember Ratu Sukuna’s legacy, we are called to be stewards of the blessings we have received. Whether we are leaders, teachers, caretakers, or community members, God has entrusted each of us with a role to play in our society. Just as Ratu Sukuna worked to protect the heritage of his people, we too must be guardians of peace, unity, and the values that make Fiji strong.
One of Ratu Sukuna’s greatest contributions was his vision of unity among all Fijians. In times of division, he called upon the people to stand together, to honour their shared identity while respecting diversity. This echoes Christ’s commandment in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
Our greatest strength as a nation is found not in our differences, but in our ability to walk and work together in love, respect, and faith. On this Ratu Sukuna Day, let us commit to being peacemakers, lifting one another up, and ensuring that the generations to come will inherit a Fiji that is strong, united, and rooted in righteousness.
As we honour Ratu Sukuna’s legacy, let us ask ourselves: How can we serve our communities with wisdom? How can we lead with humility? How can we strengthen our nation through faith? The answers lie in the Word of God, in the example of Christ, and in the values that Ratu Sukuna lived by.
Let us pray for our nation, for our leaders, and for every Fijian, that we may walk in wisdom and serve with love. May we always remember that true leadership is found in faith, humility, and a heart that seeks the good of others.
May the Lord bless Fiji abundantly, and may Ratu Sukuna’s legacy continue to inspire us to build a future that honours God and strengthens our people.
God’s grace be upon you all.
RSMSstudents of (Cakudrove, Bua and Macuata) CBM with school teacher Varish Prasad before their performance during the Ratu Sukuna Day celebrations yesterday.
Students of the RSMS Tovata confederacy make their way to the ground to perfom their meke.
Tovata confederacy students of RSMS before their performance during the Ratu Sukuna Day celebration on Thursday.
Students of RSMS line up for their performance during Ratu Sukuna Day celebration yesterday.
Ratu Sir Josefa Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna. Picture: Courtesy of Caroline Datsopoulos
Message By The Very Reverend Orisi Vuki Dean of the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral Suva
