Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has warned that verbal warfare is becoming rampant in Fiji, contributing to the erosion of traditional values, mutual respect and unity within communities.
Speaking at the opening of the Ba Provincial Council meeting at the Sofitel Resort in Nadi yesterday evening, Major-General Kalouniwai expressed concern over the direction of leadership and the growing influence of foreign behaviours on iTaukei society.
“Our leadership has shifted, verbal warfare is rampant, and there is a high adoption of foreign behaviors, leading us to lose and forget the very things we as the iTaukei generation pride ourselves on,” he said.
He identified love, cooperation, mutual respect, communal work (solesolevaki) and the preservation of the Christian faith as values that were being eroded.
Major-General Kalouniwai said Fiji was facing a difficult period, with growing social, economic and political challenges affecting communities across the country.
“Fiji, our beloved country, is going through a challenging and difficult time.”
He highlighted the rise in HIV infections, the spread of illicit drugs and the economic pressures confronting families.
“We are seeing and hearing about the rapid rise in the number of people infected with the HIV pandemic, and part of this increase is linked to the uncontrollable spread and monitoring of illicit drugs,” he said.
The Commander also referred to ongoing national discussions surrounding constitutional amendments and the reinstatement of the Great Council of Chiefs.
“We are feeling the economic challenges, and we see and hear widespread discussions regarding changes to our constitution, alongside questions surrounding the purpose of reinstating the Great Council of Chiefs.”
He said these challenges were affecting communities at every level, from families and landowning units to districts and provinces.
“These matters are not up for debate; they are realities that are impacting the efforts within our families, communities, landowning units (mataqali), tribes (yavusa), districts (tikina), and provinces.”
“This does not just affect your province, it envelops our entire nation of Fiji.”
Major-General Kalouniwai warned that the challenges also threatened opportunities for children and future generations.
He urged provincial council members to strengthen their leadership through three fundamental principles — doing what was right even when nobody was watching, understanding their traditional responsibilities and serving all citizens equally.
He reminded traditional leaders that their positions were inherited through chiefly lineage rather than determined by elections.
“Being a member of this Council is not chosen by election; those who sit on this Council are anointed through their chiefly lineage and the traditional leadership gifts they were born with.”
“This is not artificial; it is a divine anointment.”
Major-General Kalouniwai concluded by reaffirming the military’s responsibility to protect Fiji and its people.
