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A chiefly delegation from a Fijian province whose senior chief is serving time for plotting to assassinate Fiji’s Prime Minister and military commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has presented him with a traditional apology for “past indiscretions”, a government statement said.
The statement said that two busloads of men and women including chiefs of all 16 districts of Naitasiri province met with Bainimarama at the Prime Minister’s official Muanikau Road residence yesterday.
The chiefs pledged their support to Bainimarama and his government, according to the statement.
Bainimarama told the chiefs that unity is the essence for progress, the statement said.
“I’m very grateful for this gesture shown towards government by chiefs of Naitasiri,” he said.
“The presentation of imatanigasau signifies unity as well as your appreciation of government’s policies and vision.”
In March this year, Naitasiri chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, who holds the senior chiefly title of Qaranivalu, was jailed for seven years for being part of a plot with seven others including members of the military’s former Counter
Revolutionary Warfare unit, to assassinate Bainimarama.
Today’s statement quoted the Prime Minister as saying the apology marked “a new beginning” for the province and government.
“We should engage often in such forums to discuss issues that will benefit Fiji, especially our future generation,” Bainimarama said.
“We need to emphasise to our people and children the importance of unity for it is the essence of prosperity.
“Successful changes will only happen when people are united over a common goal.”
The statement said that in an open session following the traditional ceremonies, the delegation was briefed on developments that government is implementing in Naitasiri.
By Richard Naidu
