We accept your apology - Chaudhry

Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry on behalf of the Girmityas today accepted the apology of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Methodist Church in Fiji for the role they played in the coups of 1987 and 2000.

Speaking during the Thanksgiving and Reconciliation Service at the Vodafone Arena, Chaudhry says this is a momentous occasion in the history of our nation, more so for the Girmitya community.

He says he is deeply touched and humbled by what he views as an act of great courage, statesmanship and humility by Reverend Ili Vunisuwai.

He also says it is not easy for a person of his standing to make an apology of this nature as he cannot conceive that Reverend Vunisuwai would personally condone any of the acts for which he is now apologising.

Chaudhry says the Fiji Labour Party was a victim of these coups and its leaders, supporters and their families were subjected to violence and harassment on three dreadful occasions.

The FLP Leader says he honestly believes that an apology is owed to the entire nation as everyone suffered from the misguided, unlawful and treasonous actions of the extremists who chose to take the law in their own hands – be they members of the democratically elected government, the business community, the workers, the farmers or the poor – no matter of what race or creed.

He says the entire nation has had to pay a heavy price for the senseless actions of a few.

He adds that as Reverend Vunisuwai has admitted, the economic, social and political implications of these upheavals have been utterly devastating, putting our country back many decades in terms of development.

Chaudhry says the consequent brain drain itself deprived the nation of some of our best professionals, tradesmen and artisans – the very people we sorely need for Fiji's own development.

The former Prime Minister says statistics show that despite the lofty motives given for the coups, the majority of the indigenous people today are far worse off than they were in 1987, many of them barely surviving.

He says latest figures show that i-Taukei comprise 75% of all those living in poverty and these are shocking statistics, but it also reveals how these simple people were used and misled.

He further says someone needs to apologise to them too as they were also exploited to serve the agendas of a few.

Chaudhry adds that it is well-accepted that the 2000 coup was also supported and financed by certain elements in the business community.

The FLP Leader says we must look to the future and take concrete measures to prevent coups and other forms of political violence from ever again destroying the fabric of our society.

He says groups with grievances, whether real or perceived, should have an avenue/forum where they can seek redress.

He is also suggesting the establishment of an independent institution to deal with such matters.

Attending the service were the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, New Zealand High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow, cabinet ministers, descendants of Girmitiyas and members of the different church congregations.