STRIVE
TO THE VERY
END

Spending a quiet day at home today, I kept thinking about my mum Bess

So, I spent some time looking through some files to try and find photos of her and family which I could share today in her memory.

Born on November 11th, 1926 in Ba my mum was the oldest child of Bill and Peggy [nee Monro] Sorby. I realized today that my miracle grandson Christian Alexandria Millis Fong was also born on the very same day as my mum, at 11 minutes past 11am on the 11th November 2015.

In the only group picture I could find of all four children…

Having watched the funeral procession from Suva to Nausori and his arrival home at Vaunuabalavu Airport and knowing the moment for Lai Qarase’s funeral draws to a close and the opportunity to renege on promises fades, allow me to share some further thoughts directed mainly at those responsible for his persecution and ill-treatment.

I am not sure how many took note of the details in the front-page report of the Fiji Times a few days ago headlined – ‘Qarase’s final wish fulfilled’ and in particular the remarks attributed to the Prime Minister Bainimarama who was quoted as saying…

The news of former Prime Minister Laisania Qarase's passing really sadden me, so much so that it has been a struggle putting my thoughts together so that I can do justice to the life of someone whom I had known for some time, but only really got to understand, respect and admire over the past 20 years.

I was privileged to have been elected into parliament at the same time that Laisania Qarase served as our Prime Minister from 2001 to December 5th, 2006 and for three of those 6 years I was the Leader of the Opposition and although we started out on opposite sides in Parliament we went from being political opponents to being good friends and this friendship continued to the present day.

To Leba and family and the people of Mavana, I extend on behalf of my family and I our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you…

It is with much regret that I join others in acknowledging the untimely passing of Ratu Finau Mara and in doing so I extend the deepest sympathies of my family and myself to Vitinia Buadromo, their children, grandchildren and the Mara family for their sad loss…

In remembering the late Jone Koroitamana I wish to first extend my heartfelt sympathies to Akanisi Koroitamana and family for their sad loss.

I also fully endorse the sentiments expressed by Norman Yee and reported in the Fiji Sun on April 11th, 2020.

Jone was a humble, unassuming and engaging person, if you did not know Jone, then you would never know he was the CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority if you happened to be having a chat with him. Jone was well liked, respected and highly regarded within and outside the Nadi community. He had a unique laugh….

Since 2017 I have surveyed the Board Memberships of all Government Entities to determine the gender balance, Chairmanships and Board memberships. I have posted each of the surveys and commented on them.

The reaction from the Government propaganda machinery has been predictable and I have been accused of being racist for producing the survey, while the appointing Ministers responsible for the appointments have…