Former Fijian politician, educator, and victim of the 2000 coup, Ratu Peceli Rinakama, has called for Fiji to address its recurring coup culture with integrity, accountability, and unity in order to progress as a nation. Speaking at a lecture by Professor Steven Ratuva entitled “Turmoil and Hope: Where is Fiji Heading?”, Rinakama underscored the importance of learning from the political upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006. He advocated for those responsible for past coups to be held accountable, stating that imprisonment for those who organized such disruptions could deter future coups.
In his remarks, Rinakama also raised concerns about the country’s educational direction, urging schools to emphasize spiritual and cultural growth rather than focusing solely on cadet and police training. He highlighted the need for inclusivity and open dialogue among all societal sectors, including religious groups and families of all races, as critical for national reconciliation and healing. Rinakama emphasized the necessity for a unified effort from all races in Fiji to ensure the nation fulfills its potential and is more than just a dream unfulfilled.
Rinakama’s views echo the sentiments expressed by other leaders and public figures in Fiji, including participants in recent reconciliation efforts led by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). These efforts include commitments from former and current military officials to prevent future political disruptions and to foster understanding and forgiveness among those involved in past events. Such initiatives aim to reflect on collective experiences and commit to moving past historical grievances.
The broader conversation within Fiji has also been aimed at economic and social recovery, acknowledging the deep and lasting impacts of past coups on financial stability, racial relations, and public trust. Political leaders and experts have cited the importance of transparency and accountability in truth and reconciliation processes to ensure that Fiji’s past is understood and addressed, rather than merely hidden.
This push for national unity and healing stresses Fiji’s potential for growth when past mistakes are genuinely acknowledged, and concrete steps are taken to prevent their recurrence. The path forward involves collaboration across all societal levels, with the hope that Fiji can emerge as a cohesive and prosperous nation that learns from its past to build a better future.
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