Page 7 - IB May 2021

Fiji

Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara

PUTTING FIJI FIRST

A CHIEFLY SACRIFICE

By Netani Rika In an interview with Fiji Television’s Richard Broadbridge
in 2001, Ratu Sir Kamisese names the men in the delegation
When Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara sailed over the horizon to his which asked him to tu vakatikitiki (step aside).
chiefly home on Lakeba in May 2000, it was perhaps the most Commodore (now Rear-Admiral) Frank Bainimarama, the
incongruous exit of any Fijian politician. late Colonel Isikia Savua, Major-General Sitiveni Rabuka, Ratu
As the patrol boat Kiro carried the deposed President of the Epeli Ganilau and four other officers.
Republic to political oblivion, his daughter remained hostage He then looks past the cameraman in the interview and
in Parliament. asks: “Who was the red-haired guy in the army – from Nasele-
The dream of a united, prosperous Fiji in tatters, health sele?’’
failing and the nation in crisis, Ratu Sir Kamisese’s political The response – from a member of his security detail is clear:
death blow was delivered by those charged with his protec- “(Brigadier Iowane) Naivalurua, sir.’’
tion. At birth, Ratu Sir Kamisese was named for Mara Kapaiwai,
On May 28, 2000, despite promises that the army would described in history books as a feared sea marauder whose
defend him and the Presidency, troops bundled the 80-year- canoe would be seen vanishing over the horizon as his victims
old Head of State into an unmarked vehicle and rushed him picked up the pieces.
aboard the Kiro. The great Fijian soldier, statesman and chief, Ratu Sir Jo-
That night, under the cover of darkness, the commander of sefa Lalabalavu Vanaaliali (Vanishing Mast) Sukuna was named
Fiji’s military and the chief of police betrayed their President. after the same infamous kinsman.
With them were two former commanders of the Republic of
Fiji Military Forces – one of them his son in law. Continued on page 34

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