Deputy Prime Minister calls on all Fijians to honour Ratu Sukuna’s legacy through disciplined leadership, education, and national unity.
LAUTOKA, 29 May 2026 — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame R. Gavoka, this morning delivered the ministerial address at the 2026 Ratu Sukuna Day Main Celebrations held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Speaking before government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, chiefs of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, and the general public, the DPM delivered a wide-ranging address centred on the theme: “Ratu Sukuna — The Vision to Build, The Courage to Lead.”
Acknowledging the traditional custodians of the Vanua o Vitogo, the DPM opened his address with a formal recognition of the land’s stewards and their enduring role in preserving Fijian culture and heritage.
Honouring a statesman
Drawing on the life and vision of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, the DPM described him as a bridge between tradition and modernity — a leader whose devotion to duty, sacrifice, and foresight laid foundations that continue to shape Fiji today.
“Ratu Sukuna understood that leadership was never about privilege. It was about duty. It was about sacrifice. It was about having the foresight to build for generations one may never live to see,” Hon. Gavoka said.
The DPM also invoked Ratu Sukuna’s guiding principle — ‘Proceed expeditiously but prudently’ — as a standard still relevant to Fiji’s national journey.
Tribute to Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
The address included a formal tribute to the late Taukei Naisogolaca and former President of the Republic, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, whose recent passing the DPM noted with deep respect. Hon. Gavoka described Ratu Epeli as a distinguished son of Fiji who served his nation as a military officer, diplomat, statesman, high chief, and President — reflecting the same principles of honourable leadership and service above self that Ratu Sukuna stood for.
“His life reflected many of the principles that Ratu Sukuna himself stood for: honourable leadership, national unity, respect for tradition, and service above self. May he rest in eternal peace,” the DPM said.
Tourism, aviation, and national identity
Speaking in his capacity as Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Gavoka drew a direct line between Ratu Sukuna’s values and Fiji’s identity as a tourism destination. He stressed that what distinguishes Fiji on the world stage is not its beaches and resorts alone, but the spirit, culture, and deep-rooted values of its people — values Ratu Sukuna devoted his life to protecting.
The DPM stated that every aircraft landing on Fijian soil carries more than visitors and commerce — it carries trust in Fiji’s stability, hospitality, safety, and national character. He underlined that this trust is earned through the resilience and unity of the Fijian people.
Youth, drugs, and education
The DPM addressed the growing threat of illegal drugs as a national challenge, stating it is a test of Fiji’s social fabric — not law enforcement alone — and calling on homes, churches, schools, and communities to respond collectively.
Quoting Ratu Sukuna directly on the transformative power of education, Hon. Gavoka said: “Education is the key to open doors of opportunities and success which will be a source of happiness, peace and prosperity.” He urged continued investment in education, youth empowerment, sports, and faith-based initiatives as the pathway to dignity and purpose for Fiji’s next generation.
A call to national unity
Closing his address, the DPM called on all Fijians to recommit to building a nation that is united, resilient, compassionate, and forward-looking — one where development reaches communities, youth are empowered, traditions remain strong, and every citizen contributes positively to the national future.
He directed a personal message to young Fijians in attendance, urging them to draw inspiration from Ratu Sukuna’s journey and to understand that greatness is earned through discipline, education, courage, humility, and service to others.
– ENDS –