Ratu Sukuna, a Fijian chief, scholar, soldier, and statesman is a household name in Fiji with a national holiday dedicated to him to commemorate his achievements. Apart from the officially sanctioned biography of Ratu Sir Josefa Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna KCMG KBE (1888 – 1958), there is very little we know about his personal characteristics. From his collected writings, I have alluded to insights into his personal traits, views and beliefs that shaped the enduring qualities that made him a great leader. In his youth Ratu Sukuna was a bright student. He was a strong debater, played rugby and cricket, and was a boxing champion in high school in New Zealand. His letters present a youth who was witty, insightful and had a sense of humour. This may seem surprising to the public whose perception of Ratu Sukuna has been shaped by the o f ficial image o f a n unsmiling stern statesman. This is often reinforced by dry and technical narratives showing none of his endearing characteristics. This can be a challenge for young audiences, usually students, who during school, university or public lectures (where their presence is mandatory) seem to politely go through the motions of listening. Absence of social technology Ratu Sukuna grew up in a time when smart phones had not been invented. Cameras were expensive and only a handful of privileged people had them. Having photographs taken were solemn events where serious images were preserved for posterity. People in those days did not do frivolous things (like we do now) such as taking selfies in liberal poses! Listening to the radio was a luxury in the 1950s as huge transmitters had to be set up in communities. Radio programmes only came on at certain times in the week and people dressed up in their best clothes to listen to them in community halls. Most radio programmes were provided by the BBC and Fijians in those days should be forgiven if they thought that Fiji’s closest neighbour was London! Fijians who wanted to drink beer or other alcohol had to apply for a license before they could go to a bar or liquor shop. Insights into Ratu Sukuna’s writings For this article I read through the “Selected writings of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna” edited by Deryck Scarr. An affirming picture emerges of the statesman who empathised with the people he visited. For example, when Ratu Sukuna visited the maritime islands for meetings, he usually came back to sleep on the Government boat. This was a thoughtful way of not burdening the people who might feel compelled to provide hospitality beyond their limited resources. In his letters, Ratu Sukuna often spoke about the excesses of solevu ceremonies. These ceremonies were spectacular in nature with immense amounts of yams and traditional materials being provided. He felt that these resources should be conserved for future obligations and as a source of family sustenance. There are no undercurrents of racism in Ratu Sukuna’s letters. His father had made a most unFijian decision by enrolling him at Wairuku Indian School. This interaction with Indo Fijians provided him with an affirming multicultural dimension. Nowhere in Ratu Sukuna’s letters or recorded speeches were nationalist sentiments expressed. He held the view that was later propagated by chiefs he mentored such as Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara that Fiji is a multicultural nation where everyone had to work together in harmony and prosperity. Looking to the future One leadership lesson gleaned from Ratu Sukuna is to always look to the future. He mentored young chiefs like Ratu Mara, Ratu Penaia Ganilau, Ratu George Cakobau; they later took up leadership roles in Government. At a time when university studies were reserved for non-Fijians, Ratu Sukuna’s father personally petitioned Governor Sir Frances May to allow Ratu Sukuna to study in Oxford. This bold action at a time when higher education studies for native Fijians was prohibited, opened the pathway for more Fijians to take up university studies and contribute dynamically to nation building. In geopolitical conflict situations, the British had decreed that Fijians should not be recruited as soldiers to fight for the Allied forces in World War I. Ratu Sukuna felt that Fijians needed to prove their worth on the battlefields. The context to this decision was that the British colonial experience in Fiji was an affirming one. We had invited the British to cede our country. They did not forcefully colonise us. Reciprocating our gratitude by supporting Britain in its hour of need was seen as a noble gesture of support. However, the British had learnt from the mistakes of colonial rule in Africa and Asia, and they felt that Fijians needed to be prepared for self rule rather than being diverted to the WWI conflict. Ratu Sukuna however signed up for the French Foreign Legion and was wounded in action in 1915. In 1916, the British allowed Fijians to enlist and he joined. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his services. Fijian land British Governor, Sir Arthur Gordon facilitated the setting up of a central body to hold Fijian land in trust and lease it to farmers on terms that would be standardised throughout Fiji. A large population of Inda-Fijian farmers required land, and the Native Land Trust Board helped to facilitate leasing processes. Ratu Sukuna had explained this in terms of Inda-Fijian farmers’ desire for more stable tenancy and reconciling it with the need to protect the interests of present and future Fijian landowners through the Native Land Trust Board. Fijians were divided on the issue of entrusting (surrendering) their lands to a Trust Board that would act in their interest. Ratu Sukuna felt that grassroots democracy would be the most effective way of engaging landowners (rather than relying on printed fliers and radio messages.) After the first round of explanations, he would patiently revisit villages to respond to concerns/issues they raised. After a long and vigorous debate, the Great Council of Chiefs approved it. Governor Sir Philip Mitchell said that it was “one of the greatest acts of faith and trust in colonial history.” The role that Ratu Sukuna played before independence was vital in preparing a conducive environment for Independence in 1970. Although we have strayed from his vision through the political upheavals and authoritarianism that gripped our nation from 1987 to 2022, we have come back to our senses to choose the path of freedom, justice and multicultural harmony. In front of Suva’s Government Buildings, Ratu Sukuna’s statue looks up to the heavens, reassuring us that every cloud has a silver lining. In Heaven, Ratu Sukuna gazes at us with affirming eyes, beckoning us to stay on the right course of genuine democracy, harmony and freedom. BY: JOSEPH VERAMU Joseph Veramu works in university planning and development. He previously worked for UNOP and UNICEF. He can be contacted on email: joseph.veramu@outlook.com Feedback: editorial@fijisun.com