Reverend Anil Reuben, the Assistant General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, has emphasized the need for healing and forgiveness in the country. His call comes in response to the proposed establishment of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aims to address the impacts of past turmoil, particularly the coups of 1987 and 2000 that personally affected him and his family.
Reverend Reuben highlighted the significance of sharing one’s experiences before moving on from the pain caused by these events. He commented on the lasting impact of the 2000 coup on the iTaukei community, stating that it altered the mindset of many individuals. According to him, truth and reconciliation efforts could provide solace to those who still bear the scars of these historical traumas.
Reverend Reuben pointed out that his anger is directed toward specific individuals responsible for the violence, rather than the broader community and emphasized the importance of sharing painful experiences. He expressed his belief that expressing one’s pain is crucial for healing and that much of the hurt still lingers beneath the surface.
He also urged the Indo-Fijian community to speak out, sharing stories of families in Baulevu who were forced to hide at night due to fears for their safety. He stressed that the truth and reconciliation process could foster joy and contribute to a positive change in Fiji’s future.
A public consultation regarding the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is scheduled to take place today at the Civic Centre in Suva, starting at 9 a.m.