Our ethnicity is part of us, however, it should not isolate or distance us from the community in which we live. People of different cultures cannot not live peacefully together unless they have respect for each other. I accept that seeking further integration is a challenge and it cannot be imposed or done under duress; the feeling has to come from within ourselves. To create an environment for that to happen, we have to develop situations and opportunities that place people in a position to make choices and this is one of them. And unless we begin to see our neighbours as people, as human beings rather than by ethnicity, it is difficult to shed our stereotypes of each other.

It is not a matter of who can give the most but rather the spirit in which one participates in nation- building. And I apply that term to whatever useful exerc…

Withdrawal or non-participation is an option open to idealists and cynics. We live in an imperfect world and our politicians are no exception. No one is, but w…

When we exclude part of the community, we deny ourselves the participation and contribution of those left out. We allow the possibility of conflict in some fut…

'The only possible idea of India is that of a nation greater than the sum of its parts.' [9]

We think that powerful and lifeful movement is impossible without differences - 'true conformity' is possible only in the cemetery.

'Above all there is our fixed joint determination to build a strong and united Fiji, rich in diversity and pampered with tolerance, goodwill and understanding.…