October 10 marks Fiji’s National Day, commemorating the country’s independence. On this significant occasion, Prince Charles, now King Charles III, visited Fiji to present the instruments of independence to Fiji’s first Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
Ratu Sir Kamisese faced the monumental task of leading a diverse, multiracial nation towards democratic governance. His extensive background as a high chief and education in medicine, economics, and political science equipped him for this role. He began his career as a district officer in Ba, where he also learned Hindi.
Support from the Great Council of Chiefs and the people of Fiji underscored his leadership. Governing a multiracial society required understanding and collaboration among various communities, which presented a significant challenge.
Ratu Sir Kamisese benefitted from a strong team of colonial administrators who assisted in government operations, including notable figures such as Robert Sanders and Ian Thomson. Over the years, these roles transitioned to qualified local leaders like Dr. Isireli Lasaqa and Jioji Kotoblavu.
Key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education received special attention under his leadership. A landmark decision was made to nationalize the sugar industry, which had been struggling due to issues with the CSR Co. Two experts, Gwen Bowen-Jones and George Moody-Stuart, were brought in to revitalize the industry. Their efforts proved fruitful, leading to increased sugar production and profitability for local farmers.
Ratu Sir Kamisese played a pivotal role in securing a Commonwealth preferential price for Fiji’s sugar and was instrumental in establishing the Lomé Convention, which protected the sugar industry and yielded significant benefits.
Alongside the sugar sector, tourism in Fiji grew into an economic powerhouse, shedding its initial European-centric image and increasingly benefiting local communities.
However, the original constitution had a notable flaw: it kept Fiji’s two largest communities separate, inevitably fostering suspicion. A more inclusive constitution could have fostered unity.
Political instability arose during the elections, culminating in the coup of 1987, which was quickly addressed by Ratu Sir Kamisese and other chiefs. The subsequent government under Mahendra P. Chaudhry, with Ratu Sir Kamisese as president, marked a productive era. Chaudhry implemented reforms, improved civil service efficiency, and addressed community needs, which significantly uplifted the living standards of many Fijians.
Unfortunately, Chaudhry’s efforts faced backlash from a faction of educated Fijians, leading to his ousting on the anniversary of his tenure. This coup had a profound impact on him.
Following this tumultuous period, Laisenia Qarase’s government was established, but it failed to include Chaudhry, missing an opportunity for reconciliation and dialogue with influential figures like Voreqe Bainimarama. Eventually, Bainimarama took control, leading to a prolonged period of authoritarian rule that suppressed civil liberties.
Today, Fiji benefits from the leadership of Sitiveni Rabuka, believed to be a unifying figure who governs fairly across communities. It is crucial for citizens to come together to support him in creating a prosperous future for Fiji.
On this National Day, it is fitting to honor the contributions of the nation’s founding fathers, including Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Ratu Sukuna, and others who have played vital roles in shaping Fiji’s destiny.