“Ratu Sukuna won the trust of the people and ensured that their trust and faith in him was not misplaced.”
This has been highlighted by National Federation Party (NFP) leader Professor Biman Prasad on the occasion of Ratu Sukuna Day today.
“His selfless service is illustrated even then as – a chief, statesman and a decorated soldier – walked the length and breadth of Fiji especially Fijian or iTaukei villages, convincing customary landowners that they needed an institution to protect their land from being exploited,” he said.
Prof Prasad said Ratu Sukuna had the foresight and sacrificed his time and energy towards setting up the system of i-Taukei registration, the Vola Ni Kawa Bula (VKB).
This, he said, was closely aligned to iTaukei land custodianship records.
Additionally, Prof Prasad said if this was not done, there would not have been a space in later years to consider how to give effect to land legislation to develop Fiji’s then fledging economy for the benefit of everyone, through the iTaukei Land Trust Board.
“Ratu Sukuna was visionary when it came to politics and both personally and posthumously mentored those who later became household names in Fiji.
“These are the principles of a national leader and a statesman. These principles, together with chiefly authority and wisdom, formed the formidable character of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.”
