THERE AIN'T NO NON-I-TAUKEI IN THE SODELPA YOUTH COUNCIL!

9/3/2014

FIJILEAKS has been bombarded with claims that Sodelpa Youth Council has NO youths of other races and is made up entirely of i-taukei leaders. SODELPA’s New Youth Council office bearers are as follows (see right-hand column):

RAINBOW NATION OR EMPTY RHETORIC?

President- Pita Waqavonovono
Vice President- Vani Catanasiga
Secretary- Laisani Qaqanilawa
Assistant Secretary- Setareki Loco
Treasurer- Mosese Tuva

Committee members:
Vilikesa Koroi
Ratu Manoa Rayawa
Tui Kalusiano

Waqavonovono

Meanwhile:

Ro Kepa Walks the Talk”, says SODELPA Youth Council President

Creating opportunities for young people to engage and make meaningful contributions within SODELPA is why SODELPA’s new leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa’s youth support base continues to increase.

These were sentiments echoed by SODELPA Youth Council president, Peter Waqavonovono after Ro Teimumu Kepa’s election as party leader yesterday.

“We received the announcement of our new party leader with much joy, assurance and renewed enthusiasm particularly in light of the huge challenge ahead of us as we gear towards the upcoming September elections,” Waqavonovono said.

“Ro Teimumu Kepa has these years past been a consistent voice for freedom, calling for an end to threats and intimidation and a return to constitutional rule and representative democracy. “For young people, having a leader who ‘walks the talk’ is exemplary and this is exactly what she has been doing since 2006”.

This is why she has the respect of young people and now even more so because of her support for youth participation at all levels within the party,” he said. “And for us this is important if we are to positively impact the next generation of leaders in Fiji.”

“In her maiden speech, Ro Teimumu Kepa pledged support for the SODELPA Youth Council and our work to engage more young people. This is absolutely encouraging especially at such times where fear and oppression of our voices reign”.

“Her commitment to speak out against injustices and help us demand a fair passage for young candidates in the upcoming general elections is reassuring. When you put that together with her own personal efforts to increase youth voices in SODELPA since 2011, that message is going to impact and appeal to a lot of young people,” said Waqavonovono.

Waqavonovono said tokenism has often plagued local and national platforms for youth engagement and if leaders were to win the respect and loyalty of young people, they must take deliberate steps to ensure that young people are part and parcel of decision making structures.

“Youths are looking for role models who are grounded, community oriented, morally sound and value dignity. They will naturally gravitate towards those who not only preach this but also practice it.”

Waqavonovono said in all this, SODELPA’s new leader has been consistent. PRESS RELEASE

38 Comments

Kai Indo-Fijian

9/3/2014 04:31:31 am

Vinaka vakalevu for being even handed and pointing out where finger-pointing needs to be pointed at - indeed - an all out i-taukei youth council - only lately saw their "Gunu Sede" - thought whats the point in going if they will be just speaking and behaving like their racist counterparts in SODELPA

I-Taukei Youth

9/3/2014 04:34:44 am

Vinaka Fijileaks!

That is why I am going to join Frank's party so my fellow brethren and sisters can speak as one united rainbow nation of youths of Fiji

Crippled

9/3/2014 04:44:37 am

Yes, Pita Waqavonovono - WALK THE TALK - where are non-native Fijians in your Youth Council?

Maharaj

9/3/2014 05:44:39 am

No one is surprised.

After all its the old SDL

USP Student

9/3/2014 05:53:48 am

Why is there a need for non-iTaukei people in the Council. i am not iTAUKEI, but myself and many ther's in USP are supporters of Waqavonovono and the SODELPA Youth Council. I dont mind been led by a full blown iTaukei Leadership - as long as I know their policies will help me and benefit all people in Fiji.
Pita Waqavonovono has done so much for Fijians! He is a human rights activist and is here on the ground in FIJI speaking up for us. for you Mr Victor Lal, you are just coward, trying to criticize well intention-ed people. I am Chinese, I was at the SODELPA meeting and the Gunusede. there were at least 3 indians there. So shut the fuck up - change is coming to the Party.

Dissent Monitor

9/3/2014 05:54:47 am

And yet Wadan and Victor are the party's cheerleaders - please brothers, cross over to Frank's party, you two!

SODELPA Supporter

9/3/2014 06:00:37 am

Hi there Moderator. My name is Samu Vuku. I don't get it? So what if there are no Indo-Fijian's or other races in the leadership of the Youth wing. To me it does not matter, we are focused on their work. They are doing well and have the support of young people of many races.

Fijileaks Reader

9/3/2014 06:02:55 am

USP reader - why are you attacking Victor Lal - let Pita Waqavonovono explain to us why its an all out Fijian composition!

vukutawake

9/3/2014 06:04:14 am

I have a message to the person "Crippled", Waqavonovono is a articulate, educated and dignified young man. he has been at the forefront of Pro-Democracy work in Fiji for a very long time. He has the support of many races in FIJI. maybe you should take a look at the NFP and FLP - domination of Indo-Fijian's there

USP Student

9/3/2014 06:07:46 am

well all of us Students hia in USP know who is behind this Page. I used to support this page and the work of Victor lal. But if the falahh is going to attack the one Party that has our Vote and attck the yougn people who have been fighting for us, than I hope he is ready to be verbally challenged

Truth Hurts

9/3/2014 06:09:45 am

USP Student

A tleast Victor Lal has been speaking up against the regime, and in his own name - stop hiding behind Pita's sulu!

Anyway, Victor is not on the ground, nor is Russell Hunter, for both were deported and banned from entering Fiji in 2008

You shut up, and let Pita and Sodelpa explain to us!

I am an in-taukei Fijian youth, so shut up! Typical of lamu sonas like you

Its legitimate question.

Only lately I saw Wadan not fit for any position except maybe as some deputy to third-rate chaps in Sodelpa

vukutawake

9/3/2014 06:26:25 am

I get this feeling that "Crippled" "Kai Indo Fijian" and "Truth Hurts" is the same person.... I know russel hunter was deported. was Vic lal deported also?? Fabrication??
Let's be real, there are Indians [indo-fijian's] in the Party. If you watched the Fijione news, you would have seen them. not many, but they are there. With people like Vani and Peter in the Party, you will expect more of a diversity to enter the Party

Fred Thomas

9/3/2014 06:42:15 am

Bula Vinaka FijiLeaks Family
Bula from the Old Capital - Levuka
I am a uncle of Peter.
Peter W's mother is Chinese. Peter was raised in Levuka Town by he's half-cast family. He is very liberal and has a very multiracial background.
In an article published on Sunday, June 01, 2008, the Fiji times opened the lid on Peter's upbringing. Hes Aunt Adi Sai Tuivanuavou ran for a Fijian Association Party ticket in 2000. He's grand-dad Jim Bingwor was the president of the General Voters Party. He's step dad was a former minister in the Alliance and SVT government. He's mother was an active member of the Alliance Party youth wing. And he is related to great names like Ratu David Toganivalu, Taufa Vakatale and Jokapeci Koroi. The article also claimed that Peter was trained in the area of Advocacy by Sharon Rolls, Emele Jale and Inoke Bainimarama. I dont see why anyone would think that he was racist or why he is a nationalist. I dont need to see other race's in the Party. I know that there are people in Levuka who will vote for SODELPA because of Peter. There is a sense of Hope on our old streets here, the thing is, we know Peter. We will support him, because he supports us.

FIJILEAKS EDITOR

9/3/2014 07:01:53 am

We are not a mouthpiece for SODELPA or for any other party.

We are a pro-democracy website fighting for all of Fiji.

We ran the article because of the amount of emails that were sent to us on the matter.

There are only two explanations: either Indo-Fijians and other non-native Fijians dont want to be seen to be leading the SODELPA Youth Council or as some claim, it is a party of ultra-racists whose sole objective is to wrest control of government on behalf of indigenous Fijians.

DPP Prosecutor

9/3/2014 07:09:55 am

We have a file on Victor Lal. He is still our prime target for prosecution. He was the go-between Pita Driti and Ratu Ului Mara to overthrow our esteemed leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama. Welcome to Fiji, Victor, if you dare!

USP Student

9/3/2014 07:12:57 am

Well there are USP Students of different race's all supporting PETER WAQAVONOVONO.

USP Student

9/3/2014 07:17:34 am

question to the FIJILEAKS EDITOR, your two explanations are very bias. Why would anyone else want to lead the Youth Council, we have a leader, he's name is Peter Waqavonovono. the people around him, they are itaukei but they are young people who work on the ground. the Racist here is the one refering to them as 'Natives'.

Weather Forecaster

9/3/2014 07:24:40 am

A swallow does not make a summer

Three Indians (Indo-Fijians) doesnt mean all the youth of Fiji support Pita and his Sodelpa Youth Council

He is not fighting for Fiji - he is using Sodelpa to enter Parliament if and when an election is held in Fiji

Vinaka Fijileaks for opening up the debate

USP student - have you finished your essay for next week?

As someone pointed out, let Pita explain the paucity of non-native Fijians on his Youth Council

Graham Davis Junior

9/3/2014 07:32:07 am

Hurrah, Fijileaks

Truth hurts Sodelpa and its youth

Vinaka

USP Student

9/3/2014 07:32:25 am

For a party like SODELPA, 3 Indians is a lot and a big change. And dear Victor Lal, Peter Waqavonovono has done alot for FIJI. Especially our Youth. He will have young people rally around him, whther you like it or not. that was proven at their gunu-sede thing on Friday and the meeting in FTA, take a look at the pictures on Fijilive.com, pictures of young people sitting next to the oldies. that's a great sight!! It was announced in the news that none of the youth council members were running for Elections.

Photographer

9/3/2014 07:45:59 am

YOUTH - They look like big fat grown up men and one woman!

Photographer Two

9/3/2014 07:48:14 am

Two grown up women!

Fat Chow

9/3/2014 07:49:51 am

The UN, for statistical consistency across regions, defines ‘youth’, as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, without prejudice to other definitions by Member States.

All UN statistics on youth are based on this definition, as illustrated by the annual yearbooks of statistics published by the United Nations system on demography, education, employment and health.

Babakau link

9/3/2014 12:45:08 pm

Only in Fiji ....age does not matter....

rina Kumar

9/3/2014 08:02:49 am

Wow interesting. This is my first time on this blog. And what a introduction.
I personally will vote for SODELPA. I agree with the people above, Peter is a national hero and a benchmark for youth activists.
he has received so much hate messages on the other blogs, but he is carrying on doing some awesome stuff in the party. My family are voting for FLP, they tell me Indians need to stick together. This is why many indians will not openly support Sodelpa, we have to show allegiance to Indian party.
Peter you have my vote

Babakau link

9/3/2014 12:04:45 pm

Speak the truth Rani Kumar.....youre an itaukei.

DPP Prosecutor

9/3/2014 08:28:01 am

Victor, we also know that you had asked Pita Waqavonovono if he could guarantee that he will bring his youths on to the streets if and when you, Driti, and Ului struck.

Pita refused to co-operate, for he reported you to us!

Kai Viti

9/3/2014 02:50:51 pm

Funny didnt hear any complaints in following:
- nil kai viti in Toppers Scholarship Committee (how many kai viti got scholarships heard on 70 out of 600)
- no Kai Viti in Hindu Economic conference
- no kai viti in Chambers of Commerce;

why didnt you dickheads go to meeting and vote or stand???
- no kai viti in Reddy Head Office;
- no kai viti in fiji commerce

I-Taukei Voter

9/3/2014 02:54:45 pm

Kai Viti

Such arrogance is what makes Sodelpa the party of racists and its supporters

Well, keep on talking like that - for sooner or later the truth will hit you and sodelpa

Race Monitor

9/3/2014 03:02:41 pm

Your comments speak volume - just see how quickly you chaps have turned your racist filth against Victor Lal who has done more than any of you to keep up the fight

God help Fiji

Sodelpa can take a running jump if this is the type of people whose support it is depending on!

Tuma

9/3/2014 03:51:08 pm

The SODELPA Youth movement committee is made up entirely of Fijians. What has race have to do with anything. Are we not all Fijians? So whats the big deal here.

Wailei

9/3/2014 06:02:11 pm

Not all will be satisfied so if you dont like the set please go join the youth wing of Bai Ni Kaiyum Political Party ,,,,very simple and no big deal!!!

i love macdonalds

9/3/2014 07:08:18 pm

What's the obsession with age i wonder since we here in Fiji are late-bloomers... in everything including textbook-perfect democracy. We may be slow but we're certainly sure-footed than say the treasonous ones who'll soon be a dimmed memory.

Cheers to the youth of Fiji and upcoming leaders of tomorrow!

Kung Fu Panda

9/3/2014 07:28:10 pm

Thanks and vinaka Uncle Fred Thomas for introducing a bit more of Pita's bloodline to us who may not really know him well.

Great to see the young generation mobilising to stand up for their future, a good start I'd say and the only way from there is up... so keep going Pita and strive for inclusivity at all times in your committee to reflect your growing movement.

Kung Fu Panda

9/3/2014 08:23:40 pm

Thought i'd share an interesting article frm today's edition of my favourite rag, SMH. It's entitled "Men: how to dress for your body shape" and briefly offers a helpful guide to guys falling into one of the 5 main body shape categories :

1. The heavy lifter
2. The athlete
3. The block man
4. The happy eater
5. The cuddly teddy bear

As a pasifika islander, i prefer a body shape that combines categories of 1, 2 and 5, although sadly, our men are veering twds No. 4 and groggy types, wot say peeple? Never too late to change since its only March :-)

http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/style/men-how-to-dress-for-your-shape-20140307-34b2f.html

Poasa USP

10/3/2014 03:19:32 am

Bula Vinaka
I dont agree that their race is a big deal. Did Akuila Yabaki come out saying that SODELPA is looking to be more multiracial.
There are Indian's in SODELPA, but should they be used as bargaining tools?
Also SODELPA has committed to filling the Party with people from vulnerable groups, so they are saving a seat on the National Executive Com for a Indian. This was approved at the SODELPA Special General Meeting, last week, who approved it, the packed FTA Hall majority were iTaukei . I for one, dont see race!! I see potential leaders, leaders who need our support. I also support the USP Student commnetator, the page will lose credibility by attacking PW

Fijileaks Editor

10/3/2014 03:42:24 am

We did not attack Pita Waqavonovono!

We relayed the feelings of those who wanted to know through us why Sodelpa Youth Council is dominated by i-taukeis!

We are not privy to why, how, and who chose these Council members

So stop making exaggerated allegations

Perception in politics is far deadly at the polls then all the hot-air thrown at Fijileaks.

KING

15/7/2014 03:16:27 pm

NO ONE IS COMPLAINING WHEN THERE IS NO INDO-FIJIAN IN THE FIJI RUGBY TEAM.WHY NOW?????

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

THERE AIN'T NO NON-I-TAUKEI IN THE SODELPA YOUTH COUNCIL!

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editor@fijileaks.com