Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka affirmed that the recent actions taken by the Mercy Commission, including the pardons granted to George Speight and Shane Stevens, were conducted with due diligence and without outside interference. He emphasized that these decisions are integral to Fiji’s ongoing journey of reconciliation and healing, as the nation must reflect on its past in order to forge a united and prosperous future.
Rabuka acknowledged that those who have played a role in the instability of the nation should take accountability for the hindrances to significant development. He described it as a positive step for individuals who have completed their prison sentences, stating that they have fulfilled their responsibilities and are now able to rejoin society.
He advocated for a collective commitment to forgiveness, truth, and reconciliation, believing this approach will lead to a stronger, more united Fiji. The Prime Minister encouraged all Fijians to support the Coalition Government’s initiatives focused on truth and reconciliation, underscoring their importance for the nation’s growth and prosperity.