In a multi-racial society, trust, understanding and tolerance are the cornerstones of peace and order.
The family teaches us about the importance of knowledge, education, hard work and effort. It teaches us about enjoying ourselves, having fun, keeping fit and healthy.
It is from the traditional family that we absorb those universal ideals and principles which are the teaching of Jesus, the bedrock of our religious faith. We are taught the difference between right and wrong, and about the law, just punishment and discipline.
It is with obedience to your call that I take up the burden of government leadership for the final time.
I said, yes, if you think I will avoid bloodshed by standing aside I will stand aside … but I will never ever again come back.
How could I stand by and watch my house on fire?
I have never been bribed as a Prime Minister.
Fiji had experienced the ordeal of two military coups.
If the constitution goes, I go.
Whom am I going to trust if I have to back again.
I received my money from the treasury, I used to very early to go the clubs, but when the burden of looking after my children came upon me I tried to live a quite life, and save as much as I could.
Even institutions of State, such as the judiciary, were seriously weakened, to the extent that the citizenry justifiably feared a breakdown in law and order. The business community was hit by a slump in sales and confidence, leading to reduced earnings and loss of jobs.
I have been sustained by cane field, the cane plantation I have.
I suspect the psychological pressure associated with that crisis caused the first mental blackout I had ever suffered. It contributed to a deterioration in my health that later required the insertion of a heart pacemaker.
The first money I have been offered was as District Officer Ba.
