Mary Rokonadravu, a writer and cultural advocate, has expressed her disappointment regarding the decision to divide arts and culture along ethnic lines between the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs. She characterized the move as “deeply problematic” and cautioned that it risks fracturing a sector that ought to bring people together.
Rokonadravu emphasized the fundamental role of culture as a unifying force, stating, “Culture is the glue that keeps us together. Culture is the adhesive. It tears into the fabric of our soul.” She warned that this administrative separation could unintentionally force artists and cultural institutions to vie for limited funding along racial lines, which may deepen divisions and further marginalize minority cultures.
She questioned the rationale behind altering a system that has taken decades to establish, especially after recent legislative achievements like the Fiji National Policy on Culture, the Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture Act, and the Heritage Act. “To achieve so much only to be cast backward along ethnic lines is shocking and disappointing,” Rokonadravu remarked.
While she supports a petition directed to the Prime Minister, Rokonadravu clarified that her stance is not confrontational but rather rooted in caution. She urged the Prime Minister to carefully consider the advice he has received. She believes that the cultural sector should remain under a single department that serves all communities, promoting collaboration over competition based on political interests.
Furthermore, Rokonadravu has reiterated her call for the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Culture, Heritage, and Arts after the next election. She argues that such a ministry would bolster arts education, create job opportunities, and enhance the economic contributions of the sector. She has encouraged cultural organizations to submit their views to the Prime Minister promptly, urging action by early 2026.
The call for unity in the arts and culture sector is a vital one, aiming to preserve and nurture cultural heritage while ensuring that it serves as a source of strength for all communities.
Leave a comment