Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka today called for renewed commitment to visionary leadership, education, resilience, and cultural identity across the nation.
While addressing those in attendance at the Ratu Sukuna Day celebrations at Labasa’s Subrail Park, the PM described the late Ratu Sukuna as “a man of two worlds” and “a bridge between Fiji’s historical past and the modern world.”
“He was a visionary leader whose legacy continues to inspire and guide us,” Hon. Rabuka remarked.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Visionary Leadership in the North,” reflects on Ratu Sukuna’s life and leadership qualities while challenging Fijians to nurture future generations of leaders rooted in the values of the Vanua, Lotu kei na Matanitu.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to encourage families, traditional institutions, and government to be intentional in raising the next generation of leaders.
“It is our responsibility to share and guide new generations with what was imparted to us by our past leaders and forebears by our very example. We are the demonstration of the change, of the values, of the leadership and society we seek,” he added.
“In this light, we shall not wait for leaders to emerge. We must make a deliberate decision and effort to identify and raise them, mentor them, and walk with them from their formative years. The strength of tomorrow’s Fiji lies in how we raise our children today.”
In closing, Prime Minister Rabuka reminded the nation that leadership begins at home and that the values embodied by Ratu Sukuna are timeless.
“Let us look forward with purpose, raise leaders who are visionary and grounded, and honour the Creator who gave us this land by serving it with dignity and devotion.”
The day’s celebrations included a parade by members of the disciplined forces, poem and oratory presentations, and traditional performances by villagers and school students from Vanua Levu.
