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CANCER FORCES PIO TIKODUADUA TO RESIGN FROM GOVERNMENT; Fijileaks wishes him all the BEST and strength to SOLDIER on in life

10/5/2015

24 Comments

 
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Now Isaiah had said, “Let them take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil, that he may recover.”
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Tikoduadua's Maiden Speech to Parliament

Madam Speaker:


And so I turn to my maiden speech as a proud iTaukei who is a living example of why the Opposition is so fundamentally wrong. I certainly started out as disadvantaged like tens of thousands of Fijians of all backgrounds. But with hard work and determination – and not some accident of birth – I have fought my way up and earned the privilege of serving my country at the highest levels of Government.

My own experience has taught me that we iTaukei don’t need more advantages than other Fijians. We already have them by having the most important assets in Fiji – our people and our land. Some people opposite argue that iTaukei land is sacred. I agree with that premise because I share their view that land is a creation of God. But God’s intentions tell us that it is only sacred if it is used for the purpose of benefiting humankind and his progress. Not to sit idle but be utilised, as in the Parable of the Talents. It’s what we do with the land that really matters.

Madam Speaker:

As the Honourable Prime Minister has said, we don’t need hand-outs. We need leg-ups. And my own life is the perfect example of where leg ups can transform an ordinary person’s life.

I come from the most humble of origins, born in considerable hardship to a single mother who is still alive in the village of Navunisole in Korovou, Northland, Tailevu. Her name is Senoveva Ranadi and I want to pay tribute to her before the nation today for her love and support.

I also want to pay tribute to my Grandfather and mentor, Mosese Radokana, who toiled on Tailevu Dairy Farm in Korovou until he was 75-years-old to enable me to go to school at the Natovi primary and secondary schools. It was a sacrifice for which I will be forever grateful. My Grandfather taught me the value of prayer and hard work. He always said that despite our struggles as a family, we could all live lives of satisfaction and he was right.

My Grandfather also taught me that my cultural values and tradition are only worthwhile if they don’t contradict the values of my Christian faith. They mean nothing if they don’t go hand in hand with the love of God and the love of man.

What made the difference for me was my Catholic upbringing, which educated me and taught me values of love and inclusiveness that is so far from that of the fundamentalists on the opposite benches as to be unrecognisable.

Our Lord Jesus Christ – were he to appear among us today – would be shocked to hear people who profess to be his followers making very unChristian principled statements.

I want to acknowledge the Vincentian Fathers, the Congregation of the Mission, especially Father Alan Finn, who taught me the values of compassion, love and care for the poor embodied by St Vincent De Paul himself. Father Finn is a Vincentian Priest from Australia. He came to Fiji in 1959 and is still alive at the age of 82 and living in Wailoku. He has been one of the major influences in my life.

For Form Five and Form Six, I went to St John’s College in Levuka, where I was educated by the Marist Fathers. It’s a notable fact that the Honourable Prime Minister, the Honourable Attorney-General and I were all educated in the Marian tradition, the PM and A-G at Marist Brother’s High School in Suva and me at St John’s College. The AG, of course, is a Muslim but he still subscribes to the Marian values – that was instilled in him by the Marist Brothers. That no matter what your background or religion, we are all equal in the eyes of God. In contrast to the Christian fundamentalists opposite us, our belief of Christianity is an inclusive one. The central teachings of Christ – love, tolerance, compassion, equality.  And they are the values at the heart of this Government.

Madam Speaker:

We are all on a pilgrimage in this life. One day we will die. And I believe that the only thing we will be asked at the end is “how much have we loved?” The fundamentalists say God gave Fiji to the iTaukei. The true Christian belief is that the world always belongs to God, never to a human on pilgrimage on earth. As in the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 24:1: “The earth and everything on it belong to the Lord. The world and its people belong to him”.  God gave this world for everyone to share.

As with many of you, my greatest joy is my home life and I want to pay a special tribute today to my wife, Sereana, my son Mosese – who is named after my beloved Grandfather – and my daughter, Sarafina.  They are my pillars of strength and I thank them for their love and support.

I also want to thank the Sisters of Our Lady of Nazareth, who mothered me in my 12 years of boarding school at Natovi and St John’s College.  Some of them live at the order’s retirement home in Wailoku and I send them my love and thanks.  And I also remember today a very great man – the late Archbishop of Suva, Petero Mataca, who had a great impact on both my life and that of the nation and who is deeply missed.

I want to thank those who assisted me with my election campaign, especially my campaign team – the FijiFirst officers in Suva and Nausori.  And I want to thank my relatives and friends, the people of Northland, Tailevu, who voted for me in such numbers, second only to the Prime Minister, and who helped put me where I am today. I was also touched to find that people voted for me from across our nation and overseas. Although I will never know who you are, I want to thank you too.

Madam Speaker:

As a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a truck driver. But by some quirk of fate, I wound up being a Colonel in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. I served the then Commander and current Prime Minister as his first personal staff officer or ADC during the tumultuous years between 1999 and 2002.  I eventually moved into Government at his side as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. I shared his vision then and I share his vision now. And it is the sole reason that I am in Parliament today.

As Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, we have already begun to outline our objectives, some of which will be contained in the 2015 Budget next month.

We will continue the task of improving the nation’s roads and will create more opportunities for local contractors to learn skills from the overseas companies that are here so that they can eventually assume the role themselves to the same standard. We are also continuing our program. To provide access to water to more Fijians, especially those living outside those areas not covered by the Water Authority of Fiji. For those who live in the Delainavesi and Veisari corridor who have been having difficulties, I want to tell you today that in six months, the water woes that you are experiencing now will be over. I have directed the Authority to purchase four booster pumps that will guarantee that the corridor between Delainavesi and Veisari can get a clean, constant water supply. Unfortunately, it will take six months for the equipment to arrive but after that, you should have water 24/7.

Madam Speaker:

We will continue our rural electrification programme and those communities that have contributed their 10 per cent will receive their supply either by grid or solar power. And we will also again boost transport links with maritime communities with the arrival of a fourth new vessel by the middle of next year.

Madam Speaker:

I come here to this Chamber with the sum total of all the values that I have been fortunate to accumulate in my life. As an iTaukei, as a Catholic, from my years in the RFMF and from the vision of our Prime Minister of a better nation for us all if we stay united.

I want to assure you my fellow iTaukei that our aspirations as a people have never been as well secured as they are under this Government.

This Government is here for you, just as it is for anyone else who is Fijian.  There is nothing to fear and everything to look forward to in the new Fiji.

God Bless our people. God Bless Fiji.

Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.

CANCER OF CELEBRATION TO TIKODUADUA'S STATEMENT:
Rajendra Chaudhry leads chorus of critics: 'Too Little, Too Late'

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"I have no animosity towards him. I have no ill feelings towards anybody. I think I am a very forgiving person," Mahendra Chaudhry towards his captor and rebel leader George Speight, 20 July 2000

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Rajendra Chaudhry (inset) was also held hostage in 2000
PictureTh late Timoci Bavadra
Comment on Fijileaks by Dekho and Welcome Home :
Dekho: 'Dr Bavadra died of Cancer: Pio Tikoduadua's cancer has nothing to do with God's wrath upon him. What evil deeds did Dr Timoci Bavadra do for him to contract cancer? He might have been the last' decent man to grace Fiji politics.

Welcome Home
:
"Why is there not a centre for Palliative Care and a Hospice for the dying in each division?"

24 Comments
rajend naidu
10/5/2015 05:24:54 pm

Today it's Pio Tikoduadua . Tomorrow it could be anyone of us. His affliction- advanced cancer - is a reminder to all of us of the frailty and precariousness of human existence.
I wish him and his family and close friends strength to cope with this most unfortunate ailment.

Reply
Warning
10/5/2015 06:01:31 pm

We will close the comment button on this posting if the torrent of abuse against Pio Tikoduadua continues from those posting their comments

Thanks
Fijileaks Comments Moderator

Reply
no bi-election
10/5/2015 06:21:54 pm

If there was a bi-election for Tikoduadua's parliament seat we would get to know the trend of how the political parties are being viewed or favoured by the voting public. Indeed we would know how this government is being judged eight or nine months after it was elected. But alas, the constitution does not allow us to do it.


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Welcome Home
10/5/2015 06:22:48 pm

We are all accountable before The Lord for our actions. However we may choose to worship in the deepest recess of our hearts. To do good and to put ourselves last. On Mothers Day we ought to be able to find the strength and courage to do and say the right thing always. We have fallen grievously short - often. Violence and gross selfishness have given to too many Fijians little hope of a reformed and better life. This is immeasurably sad. We shall be called to eternal account for the waste of precious public money. Why is there not a centre for Palliative Care and a Hospice for the dying in each division?
May God have mercy upon all who suffer serious sickness in Fiji.

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Chiku
10/5/2015 07:06:06 pm

Human decency tells us we should not be kicking a man when he has fallen. The truth is out there about what Pio Tikoduadua did and did not do , in the same way it's out there for Frank Bainimarama. And all others. The truth can never be hidden. But we diminish our own humanity and human decency when we start kicking a man when he is down. Pio Tikoduadua is down. Let us not debase ourselves by hurling insults at him at this time.

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Moderate as much as you like Victor
10/5/2015 07:28:54 pm

You can moderate as much as you like Victor, but the truth is what
the postings say (which you want to suppress). Have the courage of your conviction post the comments which people want to ventilate.

I am sure and so do the people of Fiji that the postings will reflect the truth and the real truth about Pio and others. Selective journalism does not suit you Victor Lal.

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Shannon
10/5/2015 07:45:18 pm

Isa, Pio, our hearts are heavy for the burden you and your family have to bear during this time. Our prayers and our support is with you and your family.

God is not unforgiving nor is he merciless. He is all knowing and a forgiving God. He will ease your troubles and guide you during your dark days. He will give you the strength to overcome these adversities.

The rabble threw stones at Jesus yet his word still resonates throughout this world. His burden was eased by God and he will do the same for you.

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I like Tikoduadua's Maiden Speech
10/5/2015 11:02:00 pm

"Some people opposite argue that iTaukei land is sacred. I agree with that premise because I share their view that land is a creation of God. But God’s intentions tell us that it is only sacred if it is used for the purpose of benefiting humankind and his progress. Not to sit idle but be utilised, as in the Parable of the Talents. It’s what we do with the land that really matters."

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Dekho
11/5/2015 01:25:29 am

Pio Tikoduadua's cancer has nothing to do with God's wrath upon him.
What evil deeds did Dr Timoci Bavadra do for him to contract cancer?
He might have been the last decent man to grace Fiji politics.

Reply
I like his Maiden speech
11/5/2015 01:38:04 am

Madam Speaker:

As the Honourable Prime Minister has said, we don’t need hand-outs. We need leg-ups. And my own life is the perfect example of where leg ups can transform an ordinary person’s life.

I come from the most humble of origins, born in considerable hardship to a single mother who is still alive in the village of Navunisole in Korovou, Northland, Tailevu. Her name is Senoveva Ranadi and I want to pay tribute to her before the nation today for her love and support.

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Poor Rajen Chaudhry
11/5/2015 01:43:15 am

Did your father repent for hoarding all money he received in India, Canada, USA, NZ & Australia?

No he didn't and you are a beneficiary. Do makers of their own demise ultimately pay the price?

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Respect
11/5/2015 02:11:41 am

I was on the receiving end of pio tikoduadua decisions after the coup,cut out of my job and eventually left the country.

Today when i read about his deteriorating health i have lot of empathy for his family, may the almighty guide him and his family in this most difficult journey. God Bless.

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where's the "LEAK"
11/5/2015 02:40:36 am

This is supposed to be a site that delivers what the government wants to hide. Instead we read recycled news from the local dailies. Utter rubbish. Last story of consequence was the mpc one. The rest have just been recycled from social media leaks by other commentators. Add to this your "moderation" and the whole thing becomes a joke.

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Fijileaks Editor
11/5/2015 02:45:36 am

Where's the Leak!

We SUGGEST YOU GO ELSEWHERE IF YOU DONT LIKE WHAT YOU SEE ON FIJILEAKS

Thanks

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splashViti
11/5/2015 03:04:54 am

You can always re-name your site FijiSplash! tee hee... just kidding.

But I've also been wondering if you could just go easy on moderating the conversation and letting it flow? People might not have to pretend to be nice or empathize with a dying man that they actually came to bury.

Just saying.

Fijileaks Editor
11/5/2015 03:31:46 am

We don't mind names but we do mind foul language and also fake non-contactable e-mail address

Thanks

Fijileaks Editor
11/5/2015 03:20:30 am

We are a serious and respectable website.

We have leaked and continue to leak many things this Government, of which Tikoduadua was part of, has been trying to hide from us.

Fijileaks had attacked and revealed Tikoduadua's own corruption and scams in the past, and will reveal more in the future.

What we will not tolerate and are willing to throw commentators off the site are those whose comments do not make any constructive contribution except to spit foul words.

That is what we have warned the commentators about - we dont need such people on this site, especially many hiding behind fake names"

Thanks
Fijileaks

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splashViti
11/5/2015 03:29:34 am

I try not to "spit foul words" but I have a "fake name".

Would you rather I didn't have a nom de plume? if so, why?

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Callton Lee
11/5/2015 03:06:23 pm

we are no one to judge anyone. only the sinless can cast the stone, but then who can judge us as sinless. we'll all disease and die in one way or the other.

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Dekho
11/5/2015 03:14:42 pm

I start my day by going to the Fijileaks website to news on what's happening in Fiji - that is real news and not government propaganda.
I thank the Fijileaks for keeping us in touch with the real Fiji and not the utopia presented by Bainimarama Khaiyum and their cronies.

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Welcome Home
11/5/2015 11:56:39 pm

PM David Cameron in his victory speech outside Number 10 Downing Street spoke more than once of the determination of his government to "govern with respect" for all peoples of the United Kingdom. This aspect of 'respect' was emphasised and reinforced. Yes, we do expect our governments to respect us and to show this in their use of language which portrays this. Respect is also shown by the care afforded citizens who are terminally ill and in the quality of services available to them and their close family members.

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Graham Davis
12/5/2015 04:08:54 am

Victor, we differ on a lot of things but I just want to pay tribute to your humanity and decency in supporting Pio Tikoduadua and rejecting the voices of hatred that have been raised against him so unfairly in his hour of personal crisis. I have always been struck by his ability to cross all the divides in Fiji and achieve common ground with even the Government's most bitter opponents. He was always willing to go anywhere at any time to meet even individuals who hated him and engage with them for the common good. And that is an astonishing quality in any human being.

I am grateful to you for republishing his maiden speech in the Parliament because it reminds us of what we are losing with his withdrawal from public life to fight his illness. Completely bereft of hatred, a statement shining with intelligence and character and certainly one of the most moving speeches I ever heard delivered in Fiji. Why? Because of what he laid out as the central tenet of his entire life. That we are all on a journey together, nothing physical belongs to us and the only question we will be asked at life's end is "how much have we loved?"

I listened to this when it was delivered it utter enthralment and astonishment. I had never heard a politician in Fiji speak in this way. And when Pio finished, I was also astonished. Because while he had given the Opposition a huge serve with an attack on their fundamental principles, they all applauded him. I kid you not. Without exception. Why? Because everyone listening knew they were listening to a fundamentally wise and decent man, someone with a deep moral compass and a love for his fellow man.

I am stricken, as you are, by the cruelty of the circumstances of the illness that has deprived us all of his service to our nation. May God bless and protect him. Because he is easily one of the greatest Fijians I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Thank you for your own role in highlighting his qualities.

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Kavita
12/5/2015 01:04:57 pm

Coudn't agree anymore. Pio was seen as a hope by many Fijians widely given the calibre of the other members in government side. He stood out. In a short time , he has touched the lives of so many and was so approachable.

His training and exposure had certainly made him a very respectable person and someone who could harmonise his strong values with that of the nation. Despite knowing his sickness he continurd to serve the country and his work had a lot of visibility.

His abrupt announcement is saddening. We are hoping it was his own decision to step down and not pressured by anyone in cabinet as despite having the sickness for sometime he had shown the determination to keep contributing. We are hoping the mini power struggle in cabinet is not the real reason for Pio's quick exit.

Pio , our prayers are with you and your family. You are great!

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And
13/5/2015 06:51:36 pm

Graham Davis would easily use the same adjectives to describe the dictator turned democratic PM Bainimarama .
It would have been better if he didn't say anything because he is a well known Bainimarama regime lackey. His contribution on Pio Tikoduadua has a diminishing return value.

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