Sir, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was well-educated. From the vanua side or from his traditional side, he was brought up in the chiefly system and through that, with educational qualifications bred him to be an outstanding leader in all aspects of leadership.
Mr. President, Sir, I will not make a long speech as the House of Representatives have done. I will just say a few things about what I have just mentioned. He spent his time serving the people. He developed in the Pacific Region the formation of the Pacific Forum for discussions and participation of the indigenous races of the Pacific.
I only wish, Sir, if we young chiefs could have learned from these outstanding chiefs before, from our fathers, from Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau and my late father, to carry on the tradition, the leadership for the people of Fiji and steering them in the right direction.
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Sir, the Turaga Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, can be described as a visionary leader and the guardian of traditions long past down through the ages.
With that short contribution, I thank you, Sir.
HON. SENATOR DR. A. ALI.- Mr. President, Sir, 17 years ago on an April Sunday in 1987, a few metres from where I now stand, I witnessed with others, what I would describe as a defining moment in our country's history.
Our Parliamentary library and our dining room of today were then part of the modest, official residence of our then Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and his family.
By early afternoon, it was evident that the Prime Minister and his Alliance had been defeated in the General Elections. Though they had received more popular votes than their opponents, they had won four fewer Parliamentary seats and therefore a change of Government was imminent.
A large crowd was gathered here, Sir, mostly but not exclusively Fijians, very many young men and women among them. Realising the political outcome of the polls, they wept, not noisily, but nonetheless openly and very visibly, ceaselessly, and all of them. They would not be consoled, despite the efforts of their elders. I have not seen such mourning, before or since.
Amidst this spontaneous outpouring of sorrow arrived, the then Secretary-General of the Forum Secretariat, the honourable Henry Naisale. He embraced Ratu Sir Kamisese, and tears flowed.
That scene underlined to us, several onlookers, that the loss being mourned was not confined to Fiji. The mourning was heart-felt, deep, sincere, and sustained.
The grief was not simply about loss in a general election, it sprang from the realisation that a vision which had given Fiji hope, as well as peace and stability for 17 years, and a vision which had articulated the interests of Pacific Islanders without fear in international forums, was about to be relinquished.
The mourning was about the loss of a mode of leadership which had sought to bring people together, to engage all in dialogue, in an inclusion of cultures and communities.
It was Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Sir, who took charge of Fiji when we received the instruments of independence in 1970.
The new Prime Minister's task was mammoth, he not only had to devise new policies of co-operation but he also had to steer his multi-cultural nation away from the legacy of ethnic separatism.
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara gave us a remedy in his philosophy of multi-culturalism or multi-racialism, as it was more frequently called. It was a vision for enabling different groups to maintain their cherished cultural and religious identities while co-operating peacefully towards building a progressive and united nation. His Prime Ministership was characterised by peace and stability, economic growth, freedom for trade unions, a free press, freedom of speech, association and worship.
To him must go the credit for laying the foundation of democratic life in our islands up to 96 years of authoritarian rule. We still enjoy the fruits of his toil. There were aberrations in 1987 and in 2000, but the foundation he had laid through his own example and through the principles of multi-culturalism cannot be removed. His contribution in this regard will be difficult to emulate.
Mr. President, Sir, the best we can do, and we all have a responsibility, is to build the foundation that he laid for peace through much sacrifice and conscientious and consistent effort. He governed after winning elections on the multi-ethnic platform of his multi-ethnic party. He always chose an elective Cabinet reflecting the different cultural groups in our country. No one was excluded. Further, he left us the very important legacy of Cabinet decision-making through consensus.
There exists in our Cabinet, the tradition of not voting but reaching an agreement of equals on issues. He did not subscribe to the view, that the majority of one or two should impose its will upon others, as this was the way of tension and conflict. The consensus approach he promoted, brought unity and a combined will, to achieve goals collectively and cooperatively without conflict.
He ensured that minorities were represented where he was the determinant of processes. His Cabinet, for instance, reflected the presence of Fiji's minorities. He guaranteed that his party's representatives in both Houses of Parliament had members from Fiji's minority communities, Europeans, Part-Europeans and Chinese were always there, also at least one Muslim in his team in the Senate, the House of Representatives and Cabinet. No political leader, Sir, has ever been as generous to Fiji's Muslim community.
It was he who agreed to make Prophet Mohammed's Birthday, a national public holiday. This generosity was recognised yesterday by the speaker of the Fiji Muslim League, our fellow colleague, the honourable Senator Mohammed Afzal Khan and the President of the Fiji Muslim League, Haji Hafizud Dean Khan, when we commemorated that religious occasion which was deferred from 3 May, 2004.
Mr. President, Sir, he wanted no one excluded, his philosophy of governance sought to bring everyone together in dialogue for the greater good of Fiji.
It was this conviction that enabled him to discern the shortcomings of the adversarial tendencies of the Westminster system which we had inherited. He put forward the idea of a government of national unity in 1972, and again in 1980. He desired a discussion, an exchange of views and, he did not wish to impose his own interpretation. Through dialogue, he wanted the emergence of a form that would best suit our needs, satisfy the diversity of ethnic interests in our midst, and provide security and permanence for all who saw Fiji as their home. He had a vision, a noble vision. Suffice to say here, that there were others with only dreams and ambitions, carrying ingredients of later nightmares. Had he received in return the trust he offered, our history might have been spared later traumas, from whose agonies we have yet to recover, completely.
Mr. President, Sir, his was the path of moderation. His philosophy took the middle road, the most difficult road in a culturally fragmented society of competing ethnic interest. The middle road is flanked on each side by another road. The travellers on these roads are, on the one hand, fearful lest they lose what they consider their birthright in the land of their ancestors and their traditions. Other travellers on the other flank desire moving at greater speed, bringing rapid changes and coercing uniformity. Mistrust and misunderstanding of the middle path denied innovation.
Yet, despite difficulties and obstacles, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara achieved much, and much of that is lasting. He negotiated, he persuaded, he pleaded, but he ever sustained his moderation in his journey along the middle path as Prime Minister and then President.
In praising him for his leadership as Prime Minister, we tend to forget that for much of his long political innings, he was also our Minister for Foreign Affairs. He was a remarkable Foreign Minister of a small island State, none dared bully him.
His achievements as our Minister for Foreign Affairs displayed excellence. The South Pacific Forum was his brainchild for giving a meaningful voice to small island states amidst the bluster and greed of big powers, inclined to dominate poor developing States like ours. He united the islanders through what he proclaimed as the Pacific Way. And in his usual generous way, he allowed all Pacific Islanders to define its meanings, as it best suited the needs of each one of their nation states.
Regional cooperation and the welfare of all Pacific Islanders always remained close to his heart. A manifestation of his commitment was the Pacific Islands Development Programme where his initiative and originality occupied centre stage for many years and where his absence was always missed and lamented.
Sir, he was among the original architects of the alliance of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Island states, the ACP group which came into being to obtain fairness from their former European colonial masters. He was among those who formulated the parameters of the ACP/EU relationship, a relationship that has ensured friendship between the ACP states and the European Union and won real and significant material benefits for the developing states of the ACP. A series of Lome Conventions whose latest successor is the Cotonou Agreement of 2000 has brought the ACP states essential aid, and even more important, beneficial trade. Herein resides the guaranteed market and the guaranteed price for our sugar, without which not just we in Fiji, but others in other sugar‑producing ACP countries, would have remained poorer and insecure, with fewer means for social and economic progress.
In Fiji, we can say if we are truthful, that no person in the history of the sugar industry has made a greater single contribution to the prosperity of Fiji's sugarcane farmers. Their interests he deemed of paramount concern, motivated as he was by national well‑being and the alleviation of the plight of those in need, and not at all influenced by the way these farmers voted. Indeed, the relationship he helped forge with Europe, continues to benefit us even now socially as well as economically. From the timeless legacy of his, millions of people in the African, Caribbean and Pacific Island states daily reap rewards.
In gatherings of the Commonwealth, he was a towering titan and when he participated for his country in the many meetings of the United Nations and its agencies, his presence was felt there too. We all gained.
Mr. President, Sir, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was an outstanding leader can never be in doubt. Given his achievements on the national and international scene, his statesmanship cannot be disputed. But there was a very human side of him that needs to be noted. These qualities made him worthy of respect. He was a very trusting individual and a very loyal leader. He provided help and guidance to those who worked with him. He lent support and protected them from the foolishness of others.
In the time I knew him and worked with him, I always found him very responsive. He was never evasive. He spoke honestly and was happy to explain in detail queries on events that were of national importance. I always found him very pleasant and learnt much from him about the history and politics of this country. The information he parted so willingly and openly is not all stored in our national archives or in Government files. The contents of those conversations and the thoughts he shared, I will treasure as they have guided me to reach conclusions and find answers and explanations, and understand better the past and present of our country. I remain forever indebted to his generosity.
He was a very caring leader, caring of those who worked with him and aware of details. When I served in his Cabinet and traveled with him around Fiji, he was always mindful of my dietary restrictions and ensured that there was always something for me to eat. He told me what to avoid. He was very discerning and perceptive, aware of the needs as well as the discomforts and sensitivities of others. That is an aspect of his character to be emulated. He did lead by example.
Sir, he sacrificed considerably to help our nation. In this, his family too made great sacrifices in sharing him with us. Just as he gave selflessly so did they, and we need to be mindful of their contribution and acknowledge this with gratitude.
He was a great man, a revered traditional chief, an inspiring leader, continually striving to satisfy the needs and aspirations of all his people. He was a public figure, and as such all his actions, words and decisions will be evaluated and assessed now and later. Those of us who knew him and value his memory may not always concur with these assessments. We must, however, appreciate that it is indeed the mark of a great leader that his life and work are the subject of study, analysis and debate. From these perspectives, greatness proclaims itself.
Sir, in his passing, we have lost a founding father of our nation. We will always remember him, and we can do this best by striving to fulfil his vision. His place in our history is secure. He now rests in peace in God's eternal kingdom.
HON. SENATOR J. KALOU.‑ Mr. President, Sir, I rise on behalf of the Fiji Labour Party, to deliver its speech on the motion which I fully agree with, and I am sure all the honourable Members of the Party concur with.
The late Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau was destined to be great. He had in abundance an esteem excellent quality, both hereditary and achieved values, to achieve the pinnacle that he did in the ethos of successful leadership. He was born to inherit the title of Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, and leader and highest leader of the province of Lau. In this position, he served the people of Lau with dignity, honour and unqualified success. He was blessed by God with blessings of wisdom and knowledge. His academic excellence was shown right throughout, with excellent results in educational achievements at all levels, from the provincial school in Lau to Queen Victoria School, to the medical school, to Marist Brothers High School, the Sacred Heart College and the Otago University Medical School. All these achievements culminated in a Masters Degree in Oxford in Modern History and a post‑graduate Diploma in Economics from the London School of Economics. At this institution, he also excelled in sports. The subjects that he read prepared him well for the administrative and political life that he later entered, advancing the policy of multi‑racialism through the Alliance Party.
His name, from 1965 to now, the time of his death is synonymous with a very successful era in Fiji's history, both in terms of nurturing cordial relationships amongst the various races, building a strong feeling of nationhood and the economic achievements, which the country registered during his chief ministership and prime ministership.
His achievements in the EU/ACP as the President of the ACP group of countries, which now total more than 100, is second to none. He was able to negotiate the first LOME Agreement, the fore-runner of successive LOME Agreements and the current Cotonou Agreement. He achieved the same success as a Commonwealth and international leader.
The many honourary degrees from universities around the world bear witness to this. He will be sadly missed in Fiji and the Pacific region, especially the developing island nations, for his advice and leadership. As a result, we will remember him for his formation of the South Pacific Forum. He was also a Commonwealth leader and an international figure. There are so many things that one could say about this great man. Time is a limiting factor and you might miss some important facts.
At this point, I would like to mention his close relationship with the Crown, which was strong, right to his death. This is shown by the status of "Right Honourable", the only one in Fiji that I know of. I can be corrected if there is another one, Mr. President. In summary, the main points are as follows. The late Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau was born into a rigotry position of leadership. His academic and other achieved values made his leadership an outstanding success, as an administrative and political leader of Lau, Fiji, the Pacific region and a recognised international figure.
He chose, as a base of his leadership, the God-supported policy of multi-racialism. His economic knowledge made him choose this path, resulting in buoyant economies, unprecedented production, investment and low rates of unemployment, high overall rural and other developments in Fiji during his years of leadership. He was able to achieve economic sustainability and progress during his time of leadership.
I would now like, Mr. President, to read the motion again because it says quite a lot, and I quote:
"That this House expresses its deep regret at the passing on Sunday, 18th April, 2004 of the Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara, Turaga na Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, Chief Minister from 1967 to 1970, Prime Minister from October 1970 to 1992, and President of the Republic of the Fiji Islands from 1993 until 2000; and records its deep appreciation of his long and outstanding public services to the House and the Nation, and tenders it profound sympathy to his family and Vanua."
Mr. President, Sir, allow me to speak in the Fijian vernacular.
Sa mai bale na Vesi kei Lau, sa bale talega e dua na vesi ka tauyavutaka mai na tu vinaka ni noda vanua. Mr. President, ena sega ni yali rawa na vakasama kei na cakacaka nei Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Esa nuitaki nida na saga meda vakatotomuria. E turaga lotu, dauloloma ka turaga vinaka.
Mr. President, e vica ga na ka au via vakaraitaka ena vosa vaka-viti vei keda meda rawa kina ni kila na turaga oqo, vakabibi vei keitou na Labour Party. Neitou yavu talega, e yavu koto ena multi-racialism. Dina ni keitou dau beitaki ni keitou party ni kai Idia, ia na yavu keitou tauyavu kina e yavu ni veilomani ni duikaikai.
Au via vakaraitaka ni tauyavu ga na party oqo ena dua na i vakasala era vakayacora vei iratou na i liuliu ni Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC) ena gauna oya, na Turaga na Tui Nayau, sa mai bale. Era a tukuna; de vinaka me sa rogo na domo ni tamata cakacaka ena loma ni Vale ni Bose. Ena gauna ni matanitu ni People's Coalition Government ena 1999 (na matanitu ea mai vuaviritaki ena 2000), era dau veivakasalataki ena vei macawa vei iratou na matanitu ena gauna eratou dau taro i vakasala vua. Ia, sa mai yali na Gone Turaga na Tui Nayau, ka eda sa bula tiko mai na kena vo. Eda sana waraka na noda gauna talega ni mate.
Mr. President, e gadrevi vei keda ena tiki ni gauna oqo meda vakasamataka vakabibi na noda i lakolako ki liu, ka da taura mai na veika vinaka era biuta tu mai na Gone Turaga na Tui Nayau. Au vinakata ga me'u na vosa tale vaka-vavalagi, Mr. President.
I would like to end with a Bible verse Luke 6: 22-23, and I quote:
"Blessed are ye when men shall hate you and they shall separate you from their company and shall reproach you and caste out your name as evil for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day and yell for joy for your reward is great in heaven for in the like manner, if their fathers are to the prophets."
Finally, Mr. President, the late Turaga Tui Nayau is known for his kindess and love. I will give you an example. On the day he was on board the naval vessel out at sea, he was not only worried about his life and that of his family's, but also about Mrs. Chaudhry because she was alone. He wanted her to be flown to Lakeba. I would say that he was righteous, kind and practiced grace.
Mr. President, Sir, finally, I would like to reiterate the motion, which I agree with fully, that we express our deepest sympathy to his family and the vanua.
HON. SENATOR J.M. AH KOY.- Mr. President, Sir, I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak, as I was not listed to speak this morning.
Mr. President, Sir, it would be totally remiss of me if I did not add to the litany of praises and encomiums that have deluged the Mara family and this nation of ours these past few weeks. Our country has once again basked in the glory, panegyric and condolences that have come from all quarters of the globe since his passing.
Endearments and anecdotal praises, which have been earned so loyally, painstakingly and deservedly over the years by this great administrator, politician, Prime Minister, President and Statesman that was His Excellency, the Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara. Buckingham Palace, Presidents and Prime Ministers of nations, leaders and people of all walks of life have expressed all these.
Many chose to be present or be represented in the State funeral ceremonies of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, an occasion and ceremonies that would be hard to duplicate. Later, Mr. President, Sir, many braved the uncomfortable and tiring journey to the chiefly burial ground at Tubou, where he was laid to rest with his forefathers.
Even in death, Mr. President, Sir, this giant of a man of modern Fiji, the South Pacific and the modern world at large has provoked sad and loving communications and evoked widespread encomiums, discourse, praises and love, which have regurgitated and brought back wonderful nostalgic memories of the way the world ought to be, the "Pacific Way" the phrase he coined and the way Fiji was when he was in office. Moreso, now, Sir, when our land and beloved country hovers in a state of ambivalent chaos and confusion.
Mr. President, Sir, I felt as if I have always known Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara all my adult life. Our closeness in association and friendship grew when my now deceased wife Lavinia, was moved from the Supreme Court to the Legislative Council of Fiji in 1961, to become one of its hansard reporters during the British rule.
It was not until 1962, Mr. President, Sir, I believe, that Ratu Mara was first nominated to LegCo, which was the acronym of the Legislative Council in those days. Our relationship deepened in the years leading up to the serious talks of our Independence, which began in the mid-late 1960's. By that time, Lavinia had become Clerk Designate to the Legislative Council and was later seconded to the House of Commons in London for a short period, to prepare for the setting up for a fully fledged Parliament of Independent Fiji.
By October 1967, Sir, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was already Chief Minister in the Council of Ministers, a Government of mixed colonial appointees and elected members in a ministerial governing system, which was a prelude form of government to Independence. His ascendancy, to prominence and power began after the Alliance Party won the General Elections in 1966, under the 1965 Constitution.
Mr. President, Sir, it is so vivid in my mind, the faces of the elected members of LegCo who had won their seats in the 1966 General Elections and who all went to London for the London Constitutional Conference at Marlborough House in May or June 1970, at the total expense of the British Government. I say vivid, because it was at that General Election in 1966, as a raw rookie, I made my first plunge into politics and attempt for Parliament and lost respectably to Doug Brown, who was the Alliance candidate for the constituency we both ran for and I as an independent.
I say "lost respectably", Sir, because all the independent candidates who stood in that election for the various constituencies lost their deposits, but I did not and caused Doug Brown lots of sleepless nights during that period and my results bore the consequences of hard and tireless endeavour. I see honourable Senator Dr. A. Ali is smiling from that side of the House. Honourable Senator Dr. A. Ali was part of a bunch of fresh, young untried strategists and part of my campaign team for the General Election in 1966. Ever since then, that bug has bitten both of us and we are still hooked and still here.
Mr. President, whilst my memory serves me correctly at this time, may I say, Sir, and I wish to use this occasion to pay tribute and give honour and praise to those honourable gentlemen and ladies who, most have gone ahead of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara through the heavenly portals now and who in 1966, were elected and made the first elected Legislative Council Members in British Fiji, prior to our Independence. They all had the distinction of negotiating our Independence from England and Great Britain at Marlborough House in June, 1970. Sir, Lavinia Ah Koy was Secretary of the Fiji Contingent to the Constitutional Conference at Marlborough House, hands on at the time.
Mr. President, Sir, as Chief Minister at the time, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (who had not been knighted then, like all the other ranking chiefs at that time), led the Alliance-elected honourable Members of the House and they were, I put on record: John Falvey, Robin Yarrow Senior, Sakeasi Waqanivavalagi, Solomone Momoivalu, Ratu Josua Toganivalu, Ratu Willie Toganivalu, William (Bill Yee, as we know him now), Harold Gibson, Peniame Naqasima, K.S. Reddy, Ratu Deve Toganivalu, Loma Livingstone, Adi Losalini Dovi, Abdul Lateef, Dr. Lindsey Verrier, Jone Naisara, Emosi Vuakatagane, Ratu George Cakobau, Charles Stinson, Jonati Mavoa, Ronald Kermode, Ratu Edward Cakobau, Doug Brown, Vijay R Singh and Wesley Barratt. They were the Alliance team.
The Opposition, at that time, was led by Siddiq Koya and whose team consisted of: C.A. Shah (I knew him as Cheraq Ali Shah at the time), R.D. Patel, Ujagan Singh, James Madhavan, Karam Ram Ramrakha, Irene Jai Narayan and Ramjati Singh. At that time, Sir, the Secretary to the Council of Ministers in Fiji was Robert Sanders (now Sir Robert who delivered part of the eulogistic sayings at the funeral service), and Mrs. Lavinia Ah Koy was Secretary to LegCo, who both were in attendance at the Constitutional Conference in London.
A phenomenon, Sir, that should have been recorded in the Guinness Book of Records at that time, was the election of the three brothers to the Legislative Council of Fiji in the same General Election and they were the Toganivalu brothers, yet four brothers attended the Conference. Ratu Julian Toganivalu was there as the advisor to the National Federation Party (NFP). So, it was quite an interesting thing that we have four brothers who all made it to the House.
Mr. President, Sir, it is interesting to note that out of the 34 elected members who went to the Constitutional Conference in London, only 13 are alive today. Out of the two secretaries who also participated, one survives. From the 26 Alliance Members, 10 are still living today, but out of the eight NFP Members, only three have made it todate.
Sir, in the early 1980's, I was given the privilege of looking after Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara's family investment company. It was then that I was able to work at close quarters with him on a one-to-one basis and I got to gauge and understand the quality of the man, that was Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, a born high chief, great leader and man extraordinaire.
I am forever indebted, Sir, to Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara for my entry into Parliament, for he literally favoured me and gave me a blue ribbon seat in 1982. I will always treasure his friendship and guidance. He was Lavinia's High Chief, as she came from a family in Mualevu, which is on the island of Vanuabalavu.
Mr. President, Sir, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was a man who is loved by many today and is appreciated for what he was - a man for all seasons, who was true to his God and his belief, true to his wife and family, true to his country, a man of faith, unswervingly for what he believed in and strived for, whose ideal for a nation is a peaceful symbiosis of multi-religion, multi-culture, multi-ethnic, multi-language and multi-fariousness. An ideal which is so elusive today, but for a week and a day, he achieved in death a togetherness, a coming together of a nation for which he strived and gave his life for. He would have been pleased with the outcome.
HON. SENATOR RATU J. RAYAWA.- Mr. President, Sir, at the outset, I would like to express my appreciation for this opportunity given to me to express my sincere sympathy and condolences to Ro Lady Litia Lalabalavu Mara, beloved wife, children and grandchildren of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Also, to his close relatives in the Confederacy of Kubuna, Tovata and Burebasaga, for the passing away of the former President of Fiji, His Excellency the late Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara.
As was expressed, he gave the meaning of his names - Kamisese: a name that was taken from the chief of Samoa, Kapaiwai: unsinkable, Tuimacilai: king of a stretch of water between the Lau Group and Mara. It is very, very sad, at this juncture, for us to heap praises for this High Chief, who has gone to be with the Lord.
The paramount Chief of Lau was among the giants who lived during the 20th to the beginning of the 21st century AD. Many honourable Members of this august House worked closely with this great chief. We read in the media, heard over the radio and through interviews that have been made, all his close friends, relatives and workmates almost express the same thing - he was a great man indeed. He stood tall but could come right down to meet the needs of the people. Ratu Mara's untiring effort of nation-building should serve as an example of leadership to the current leaders serving this nation today. We will be hypocrites if we heap praises and not follow his examples.
According to history, he was groomed by the late Ratu Sir Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna, to fill his shoes in national leadership. He excelled in all areas of study, as it was mentioned. First of all, he wanted to be a doctor, which saw him attending Otago University. While almost graduating, he received a letter, authorising him to leave New Zealand to go to Oxford University. This letter was sent to him by the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. He obeyed those instructions like a good Christian and a good leader. He went on and the subject that he was told to study, was different from what he had chosen himself. He was told to read modern history and economics, and he did that very well. We all know the result of that study, he was able to know the theories and to put theories into practice.
Mr. President, Sir, as far as he was concerned, his early years of preparation lies in the strict training he went through, on the hands of Mrs Vollmer, a relative who was married to a German. She made him to fetch milk, light the fire, and cook porridge, to name a few. Mrs Vollmer did not spare the rod when correction calls for it. After a few years when he returned to Lakeba, he passed the Secondary School Entrance Examination and joined Queen Victoria School and later Marist Brothers. While I was in class two at Marist Brothers at that time, he was already attending Secondary School, a tall handsome looking gentleman. He is a good high jumper and sportsman.
He was interested in medicine and later on attended Otago University to study medicine.
I need not repeat all that was said about him, however, at the twilight of his life, and after retiring from his premiership, he succeeded Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau as President of Fiji.
Mr. President, Sir, and honourable Senators, in conclusion, I wish to quote from the Holy Bible what the Lord Jesus Christ told his critics in Mathew Chapter 12:34-35:
"Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things from the good stored up in him."
Likewise, when His Excellency Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara accepted the instruments of Fiji's Independence on 10th October, 1970, from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, he said these words and I quote:
"For today we assume control of our own destinies and take on full adult responsibilities after a long period of tutelage. But we do not only take on responsibility for ourselves, we take it on for each other. We are a community of many races with different cultures, customs and languages. But the things that unite us far outnumber those on which we differ. Above all there is our fixed joint determination to build a strong united Fiji, rich in its diversity and tempered with tolerance, goodwill and understanding..."
On 15th May, 1992, he said these words;
"We must all find a common path towards unity, a unity that transcends race and religion and recognises that we are all sons and daughters of Fiji."
Au kerea saka me'u vosa mada vaka-viti.
Na turaga saka oqo keirau veiwekani. Au na vakaraitaka saka ga vakalekaleka. O Tuivanuakula na i karua e tolu na luvena; O Adi Keletu, Buivuroro vata kei Kalouyalewa. O Keletu, o koya saka keitou la'ki cadra mai kina na Tui Noco, keitou tiko e daidai.
Ena vula ko Tiseba ena yabaki 2002, era sa tautauvimate tiko kina vakalevu. Au a mani kaciva sara e dua na bose vanua ena noqu vanua, ka'u tukuna sara vei ira na turaga ni yavusa ena vanua o Noco, me keimami mai sikova na Gone Turaga na weka i keimami. Au sega saka ni kila ena gauna era tauvimate tiko kina, de sa so tale beka era sa mai siko se warai? Keitou a cabe saka i nodra vale ka kauta saka kina e tolu na ika bula vata kei na kena magiti. Era se qai suka saka tiko ga mai valenibula ka sega ni rawa ni ra curu mai tuba mera mai tavaki keitou. O ya saka na vei volekati ni veiwekani au tukuna tiko. Era tiko saka talega na turaga kei na marama ni vei yasana era voleka kina matavuvale oqo. Ia, o i keirau keirau veiwekani dina. Au sa vakaraitaka toka mai cake na vanua e vu mai kina na neirau veiwakani. Kevaka e da mai raica taucoko na vei kawa turaga e Viti, era cadra mai ena kawa oqo, e da raica ni ra voleka ni ra mai sota vata taucoko ga e ra. O ya na veivolekati ni veiwakani.
Na vuna saka au kauta tiko mai kina oqo, me'u vakamamasu saka kina ena Vale Cecere oqo, me vaka na nodra vosa eda sa wilika oti ena gauna era ciqoma kina na i Vola me baleta na Tu Vakaikoya. Mai muri saka tale eda rogoca tale kina na nodra vosa. Era vinakata saka tikoga o ira, meda duavata ka veitauriliga ka me kua saka ni da vakalevulevuya na ka e sega na betena se ka e sega ni yaga ena noda tara cake tiko na noda vanua me vanua vinaka, veilomani na kena vei mataqali kawa tamata, me bula kina. Me kau laivi sara na mataqali vosa oya; "kemudou mai keri, keitou e ke." Me vakacerecerei saka ga o "keda vata, meda cakacaka vata." Noqu vakamamasu saka tiko o ya. Kevaka saka e warai ni da cakava oqo, e maumau saka na veivosa cecere kei na veivakalagilagi eda vakayacora ena vukudra na Turaga oqo.
Me'u tinia saka ga, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and Ro Lady Lala kept their marriage vow when they tied the knot by promising each other; "until death do us part."
HON. SENATOR RATU G.K. CAKOBAU.‑ Mr. President, Sir, I thank all honourable Senators for showing their profound sadness and sympathy, to the family and the vanua of the late Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Also, I thank every speaker who spoke; the honourable Senator Dr. Ali and the honourable Senator Ah Koy, who mentioned about his political career and the way he achieved things. Sir, the two honourable Senators knew him because they had served in his government. He showed us the way, the Pacific way. He showed us how to gain things in this world, especially in the world arena. He took Fiji's name, this small island nation to a place where it has never been before. Now Fiji's name is known in the world arena. He achieved all these things through his hard‑work and sincere dedication, if only we can do the same.
Sir, like I said before, this great statesman showed us the Pacific way, how could we ever pay that back? We can only repay that through the memory of this great statesman and his achieving his aim, which is multi‑racialism. We should all get together for the betterment of this nation; forget our ethnic problems, our different diversity, and let us put our heads together in memory of this great statesman and work harder to achieve his aim.
The honourable Senator Kalou mentioned his educational background, so did the honourable Senator Rayawa. Sir, we chiefs have to understand one thing; you have to serve first before you are being served, and the honourable Senator Ratu Rawaya showed this in his speech.
The late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was coached by a great disciplinarian Mrs. Vollmer, where he had to fetch milk, and through that he learnt discipline. He showed us one thing, you have to serve then you will be served and Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara did just that. When he learnt discipline, he learnt to distinguish the good, the bad and the ugly and our chiefs do not follow that system and prefer to go only one way through their political career or through their educational achievements, they will never succeed because one has to discipline oneself first. Again, with one's educational achievements, and if you join a political party, you achieve all the same through hard work. This gentleman, the late Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was a great administrator and statesman. You can say everything about him but you can never add more. He has reached the peak of his lifetime and we should try or strive to follow his footsteps because for 17 years, he showed us the way, the Pacific way and I am sorry to say, Sir, no. We are still bickering about our own personal agendas.
Sir, may I speak in the vernacular.
Kemuni saka nai Liuliu ni Bose, na Turaga saka oqo, na Turaga Tui Nayau, sa Turaga saka ga ni ra sucu Turaga. E sega ni rawa ni dua e kauta laivi vei ira na nodra vosota na ka kece e mai tu kina o Viti kada sega ni tadra me tu kina e daidai. E kilai e vuravura na yanuyanu lailai oqo mai na wasa Pasifika ia oqo, e sa tu sara ena vanua levu; ena United Nations, e tu kina na noda Mata e Viti. Au na sega saka ni vakuria e dua tale na ka me baleta na Turaga Tui Nayau sa bale. Ena rairai cala saka vei au ke'u vosa vakabalavu, se me'u tokona tale, vukica e so na ka, se me'u laveta tale mai eso na ka era sa rawata oti tu. O ira era vakaraitaka vei keda e dua na ka; meda dau veinanumi, veikauwaitaki, veirokorokovi vakavanua, vakatamata, vakalotu ka bibi kina vei keimami na dra vakaveiwekani. E sega ni rawa me keimami kalawaca, keimami na tuvata ga ena veigauna, veirogorogoci ka veimenemeneitaki ni tovo dina ga ni turaga me keimami cakava, ia meda nanuma tikoga e dua na ka, e da luvei Viti taucoko. Meda cakava na ka me yaga vei Viti, kua ni yaga vei keda. Kemuni saka na i Liuliu ni Bose, me'u vosa tale mada vaka‑Valagi.
Mr. President, Sir, this great statesman showed us the Pacific way and the way to go. Can we, the people of this nation, put our heads together and follow in his footsteps and achieve his aim?
MR. PRESIDENT.‑ Honourable Senators, we shall now rise to observe a minute of silence as a mark of respect to the late Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Turaga Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau.
(Honourable Senators observed a minute of silence)