Crisis in Fiji
Sir,—Not only is the trouble in Fiji blatantly racist in nature, but the domination by the chiefly class of Fijians is minority control of the indigenous people by a feudal clique. To pay for chiefly visits, weddings and funerals, the Fijian villagers, on a subsistence level, must give and give again. Particularly, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara has levied tribute for his home island of Lakeba, which has good roads, power and water supplies, and airport, but no tourists. The descent of Ratu Mara is from King Cakobau, who ceded Fiji to Queen Victoria, owing his power to the establishment of a mission in his area; in turn, attracting trading vessels supplying guns to the chiefs, facilitating the extension of their dominion by war and cannibalistic raids. The top Mataqali (families) have produced some fine scholars and administrators, but lineage jilone is no measure of leadership.— Yours, etc., VARIAN J. WILSON. May 15, 1987.
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Press, 20 May 1987, Page 20
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156Crisis in Fiji Press, 20 May 1987, Page 20
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