Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko has praised two Fiji-descended women who recently made history by being elected to the British and Scottish parliaments, describing their achievements as a source of pride for Fiji.
Speaking in Parliament this morning, Jitoko reflected on the success of Fijians and their descendants overseas, saying many had built successful lives abroad after leaving Fiji in search of better opportunities.
“Some of our great descendants have moved elsewhere in the world, taking greener pastures with better opportunities and futures for themselves and their children,” he said.
“By and large, our immigrants have made a success of themselves, and so have their children.”
Jitoko highlighted the recent election victories of Sureena Brackenridge and Simita Kumar, saying both women had created history through their political achievements overseas.
He said Brackenridge, who represents a North East constituency in the British Parliament, shared with him during a meeting last year that her grandparents had migrated from Fiji to New Zealand before eventually settling in the United Kingdom during the 1960s.
“She is full of energy, vibrant and an active member of the multi-party Friends of Fiji and the Pacific Association,” Jitoko said.
The Speaker also referred to Kumar’s recent election to the Scottish Parliament as a member of the Scottish National Party representing Edinburgh South Western.
He noted that Kumar grew up in Samabula, attended Dudley High School and migrated to Scotland with her parents in 1987 at the age of 17.
“That she has made it to Holyrood in a very short time as an ethnic minority speaks volumes of Honourable Kumar’s silent fortitude and tenacity,” he said.
Jitoko said Fiji’s Parliament was proud of both women and congratulated them on their achievements.
“All I can say to the two ladies is that the Fiji Parliament is very proud of you and your achievements,” he said.
“In the spirit of the cheers of my eldest granddaughter — you go, girls.”
