THE SEA OR SAVING LIVES

PTC to recognise landowners during 55th anniversary celebrations

BEFORE the Pacific Theological College was established in Suva in 1965, the original owners of the land, the Suva people, lived there.

This was shared by PTC principal the Rev Dr Upolu Va’ai during the launch of the college’s 55th year anniversary celebrations last Friday.

While presenting a gift to the Tui Suva, Dr Va’ai said to talk about identity and justice, we must acknowledge those who owned the land.

“Before PTC came into being in 1965, Suva people lived on this land, you are the original owners of this great land,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that the recent history of the PTC that has gone into textbooks and accepted in mainstream education does not mention the owners of the land.

“Even the Government’s lease documents do not, we want to correct that tonight.”

He said since the Tui Suva was not invited during the college’s 50th anniversary, they wanted to correct this during the launch of their 55th anniversary.

“As Professor Unaisi Nabobo Baba mentioned, the first justice we have to do is to acknowledge those who own the things that we have taken.”

Archbishop Emeritus the Rev Dr Winston Halapua, while officiating at the college’s celebrations, acknowledged those living within the community of PTC and said the essence of the celebrations was because of them.

“Like any other things the point is needed to be made right at the beginning students and members of this community we only gather here because of you,” he said.

“You are the reason why we are here to look at the past and to look forward to the future.

“In this context, I would like to say that you are safe because the Tui Suva is here, we are all here in the vanua of the Tui Suva.”

As Professor Unaisi Nabobo Baba mentioned, the first justice we have to do is to acknowledge those who own the things that we have taken

The Rev Dr Upolu Va’ai

Picture: RAMA Pacific Theological College principal the Rev Dr Upolu Va’ai (left) and the Rev Epeneri Vakadewavosa cut the cake during the launch of Pacific Theological College’s 55th anniversary celebrations in Nasese, Suva last week.

Picture: RAMA RIGHT: Prof Dr Gwayawen Kiki with other invited guests during the launch of the Pacific Theological College’s anniversary celebrations.

Guests during the launch of Pacific Theological College’s 55th anniversary celebrations in Nasese, Suva last week.

Picture: RAMA Archbishop Emeritus the Rev Dr Winston Halapua (left) receives his gift from Prof Dr Gwayawen Kiki during the event.

Picture: RAMA The Rev Epeneri Vakadewavosa (left) receives his gift from Prof Dr Gwayawen Kiki during the event.

Picture: RAMA Archbishop Emeritus the Rev Dr Winston Halapua delivers his speech during the event.