Fiji: a Village Society? The Negatives of Smallness

Original, Fijibure.com pn436

It may seem patronising to say that a “village mentality” is too often evident in events in Fiji but I don’t know how else to describe and account for the number of times personalities are used to attack policies. How intolerant “we” are of “them". How "we" belong and "vulagi" never will.  How deference is given to rank and status and not the strength of argument. How the "silent majority" is kept silent. How unwilling public figures are to accept or even really listen to different views.  How excessive punishments are sought for minor legal infringements.  And how long antagonisms last. 

And yet how, at  another level, when custom or circumstance demands,  “we” are all Fijians or citizens or whatever, together.  For these moments, “they” live on Mars, or more lovingly on Venus, and "we" —all of "us"—  belong in Fiji.


A “village mentality,” of course, is evident in all societies, but its pervasiveness, impact and consequences seem far greater in Fiji, and the result does not help national senses of unity or nation-building. What's normal and desirable in a village can have the opposite effect at nation level.

Take, for example, the longstanding, ongoing rifts within the SODELPA party.

Retiring SODELPA General Secretary Adi Litia Qionibaravi complains she has been subject to attacks by party members “bordering on character assassination and defamation” when all in question was a party job advertisement.

Former SODELPA President Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu wants to apologize to Ro Teimumu for the things he had said about her, in a tradional way, at the Party’s AGM, but she did not turn up. One wonders why, and why only in a tradional way, and not also person-to-person.

Ratu Naiqama also pointed to the large number of “we” iTaukei parties there had been, five since the 1970s. But this itself is partly a sign of internal bickering. 

He then labelled the “them” parties, the NFP and FLP, “vulagi” (foreigner or stranger) parties, despite the fact that both are multi-ethnic parties, though most of their support comes from Indo-Fijians who have lived in Fiji, cheek and jowl with iTaukei, for well over a hundred years. Foreigners? Strangers? How long does it take to be accepted as an equal citizen?  Surprisingly, he did not single out Bainimarama’s FijiFirst party which has support from all ethnic groups. Is it a iTaukei or a "vulangi" party?

And then there is the accusation of death threats by other iTaukei against Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, a claimant to the powerful Vunivalu title that has been left vacant for nearly 30 years due to family feuding. He says he now fears for the safety of his family, after receiving the death threats about two months ago.   

He spoke also of last year's event when heavily armed soldiers broke open the front door on his Bau Island residence in an early morning raid, on the day he was scheduled to be installed as the Vunivalu of Bau. He was not going to let his family go through another traumatic ordeal.

Then there have been the numerous legal challenges of varying merit by Government to "neutralise" possible and actual opponents, some of which have been upheld and others rejected by the courts.

The NFP plea that Professor Brij Lal, Dr Padma Lal and others be allowed to re-enter the country was rightly denied by the parliamentary Speaker, but, surely, re-entry into the land of their birth should not now need any plea. Enough water has passed under the bridge. The Lals are no threat  to Government and they could help Fiji universities, but Bainimarama has not forgiven them for their contrary stance on his 2006 Coup.

It could also be argued that the legal action over the Lagilagi estate is an over-reaction. Some shortcomings warrant prosecution but others were due to Government financial delays (see pn209 and pn417). Most of the issues involved could have been settled by talanoa.

Unionist Felix Anthony is in the spotlight again with legal action pending. The charge relates to false statements made he made on 26th April this year to a reporter from the Fiji Times in relation to the expiry of employment contracts of Water Authority of Fiji workers which supposedly tended to create or foster public anxiety. Under the Public Order Act, if convicted, he is liable for a fine not exceeding $5,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years, or both. Serious wrong-doing, if known? Yes. But to this extent?

Incidents like these do Fiji no good. That must be obvious. Then why do those who say they want a united people and a united nation do so little to prevent them? 

Because they are suffering from a "village" mentality?

-- ACW