First and foremost, Fijians
Simon Hazelman, Savusavu The comments by our new Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, during his maiden parliamentary speech, is one that needs to be echoed throughout the nation.
He said that while he is iTaukei he is first and foremost a Fijian!
It would therefore be prudent to say that while I am a Kailoma I am first and foremost a Fijian!
While a friend of mine is Indo Fijian he is first and foremost a Fijian! While my favourite shopkeeper is Chinese he and his family are first and foremost Fijians!
While my neighbours are Europeans they are first and foremost Fijians! While our family friends are Rotumans they are first and foremost Fijians!
While close relatives have strong Gilbertese heritage they are first and foremost Fijians!
Dr Waqainabete also mentioned that he would champion equality because of his background and because his granddaughter, Miriama Waqainabete, has multiple heritage!
My iTaukei friend married my cousin and they have four beautiful children! My cousin married an Indo Fijian and they have four beautiful children as well! A close Indian friend of mine is married to an iTaukei and they have three beautiful children!
My iTaukei neighbour is married to a Rotuman and they have a daughter and a son! My daughter lives with an iTaukei and I have a beautiful granddaughter! Interracial marriage has become much more common today than ever before. We are one people, made by one creator, living together in one country, which we all call home!
Anyone who thinks otherwise is absolutely racist, unchristian and totally selfish!
Dr Waqainabete is also a wise and Godly intellect who rightfully stated that the circumstances we find ourselves are no doubt the will of God!