The Assistant General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Anil Reuben, has called for healing and forgiveness in the wake of Fiji’s past struggles. He emphasized the need to move forward collectively, particularly in light of the proposed Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Reverend Reuben, whose family has been affected by the coups of 1987 and 2000, highlighted the significance of sharing personal experiences as a pathway to healing.
Reverend Reuben remarked that the impact of the coups altered the perspectives of many iTaukei individuals, especially the events of the 2000 coup. He expressed optimism that the truth and reconciliation process would provide solace to those who are still suffering. He noted, “My pain is directed at the individuals responsible, not at my mataqali’s children. We were raised like siblings, and my anger is toward those who are no longer with us.”
Acknowledging the difficulty of forgiveness, he stressed the importance of sharing personal stories to bring awareness to lingering pain. He added, “Truth and reconciliation will reveal the hurt, and there is a necessity for someone to listen. Expressing these feelings is crucial, yet much of the hurt remains unspoken.”
As an Indo-Fijian, Reverend Reuben urged Indo-Fijians to share their voices in this dialogue. He shared alarming stories of families in Baulevu who, out of fear, would flee their homes at night only to return during the day, as their properties were plundered. He firmly believes that the truth and reconciliation initiative could foster joy and reshape the future of Fiji.
The public consultation regarding the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will take place today at the Civic Centre in Suva, starting at 9 am.