27/05/2026
Tribute to Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna by Savenaca Narube, the leader of Unity Fiji
On this day, Unity Fiji joins the people of Fiji to honour the life and legacy of one of our nation’s greatest statesmen, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. The 29th of May should be a day of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection. It is a time when we acknowledge the immense contributions of a man whose vision and leadership helped lay the foundations of modern Fiji. Ratu Sukuna was a leader of extraordinary foresight. His life was marked by service—whether through his distinguished education abroad, his military service during World War I, or his tireless work upon returning home to guide Fiji toward unity and prosperity. He showed us that true leadership is not about privilege, but about sacrifice and responsibility.
One of his most enduring legacies is the establishment of the Native Land Trust Board, now the iTaukei Land Trust Board. Ratu Sukuna recognized that land was both the spiritual heart and economic backbone of our people. He sought to protect communal ownership while ensuring that land could be used productively for the benefit of all Fijians. His vision was inclusive, balancing tradition with development, and it remains a cornerstone of our society today.
The modern Fiji has so much to learn from Ratu Sukuna:
He listened, consulted, and sought consensus. He believed that authority must be exercised with respect and integrity. At a time when Fiji was navigating colonial structures and modernization, his ability to articulate the aspirations of his people while engaging constructively with our colonial rulers was remarkable. He reminded us that progress cannot come at the expense of our values, and unity cannot be achieved without respect for diversity. He demonstrated that leadership is about bringing people together for a common purpose. His life teaches us that the future of Fiji depends on our ability to honour our traditions while embracing innovation and change.
For us in Unity Fiji and for me personally, Ratu Sukuna’s legacy is a guiding light. His belief in consensus and inclusivity resonates deeply with my personal mission to build a nation where every voice matters and every community thrives. On this Ratu Sukuna Day, I call upon all Fijians to reflect on how we can embody his values in our daily lives. Let us ask ourselves whether we are listening to one another with respect. Are we working for the common good, or only for ourselves? These questions are the essence of what it means to be a citizen of Fiji.
Today, as we face global challenges—from economic uncertainties to climate change—we must draw upon his wisdom. We must remember that resilience comes from unity, and that our strength lies in our ability to work together as one people. To honour him is to commit ourselves to upholding respect, service, and integrity in all that we do. As we celebrate Ratu Sukuna Day, let us also celebrate the spirit of Fiji—our resilience, our diversity, and our shared destiny. The best way to honour Ratu Sukuna is not only to speak of his legacy but to live it, to embody his values in our actions, our decisions, and our relationships.
On behalf of Unity Fiji Party, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to the memory of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. May his legacy continue to guide us and may his vision for a united and prosperous Fiji remain alive in our hearts.
Vinaka vakalevu, and may God bless Fiji.