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Wame Waqanaceva, Suva (2026)

14/02/2026

ONE POPE AT A TIME

He had suggested that we abandon the name of our proposed “Branch Set-Up Committee” and adopt an alternative instead.

We thought we had heard wrong. With expressions that suggested we were lost, I asked if he truly meant what he had said.

“Io. Sa qaravi rawa mai na noda registration. Sa launch na noda soqosoqo. Me vaka ni dou sa dola branch wavoki tiko, dou tomana na cakacaka ni Establishment Committee. Taura. Chair taka,” the Party Leader confirmed.

And just like that, the baton was passed. Not taken. Not wrestled. Passed.

Though it later ceased to exist, it remains the most powerful committee that ever operated within the party. That was not a transfer of title, but of responsibility.

Years later, when succession and the road ahead were raised in a meeting of the leadership organ, he reassured us:

“E na yaco mai na gauna me na vakayacori kina na veisau. Ni sa yaco mai, na ka ga dou raica e vinaka, dou kitaka.”

Those two conversations never left me.

Like a few of our non-supporters who are calling for leadership change, I used to be so naive, carrying around a modified version of a notable quote: “Patience is a virtue, but it is not mine.”

I mistook urgency for leadership and volume for conviction. But conviction without discipline is noise.

That naivety was dismantled by my late granduncle who anchored me in Habakkuk 2:3 - that vision has an appointed time. Not our time. Not forced time. Appointed time.

Passing the baton does not mean pushing the runner ahead of you off the track. It means running your lane faithfully until your stretch is complete.

The last regime lasted sixteen years. That, too, had its season. The duration of this administration is already known to God.

Until then, increase your dose of patience, and remember: there is always one Pope at a time.

10/02/2026

WISDOM WITHOUT MERIT

We briefed him the day before, during his lunch break at the PM’s Office. As he had confirmed, the es**rt vehicle entered Churchill Park before the commencement of the main game.

As the Shield is dedicated in his name, he was present as our Chief Guest, and also in his capacity as a big brother and senior OB.

Fast forward. The Eastern Team won the 2025 SLR Shield Tournament, also referred to as the Battle of the Victorians - East vs. West Challenge.

As Club President of the Host Team and Chair of the event’s Organising Committee, I requested the announcer to call all players to assemble in front of the main dais as I made my way to him.

Although he was only scheduled to speak to OBs during our awards night a few hours later, I crouched beside him and requested if he could deliver an address to the gathering, which included parents and supporters as well. I passed him the microphone as he nodded in agreement.

From where he began, there was a subtle pain in his words. He started by narrating how a few iTaukei had joked about his age and his relevance in this era.

I believe it was the pain of having contributed when it mattered, only to be dismissed when it no longer needed. The pain of being unappreciated, of being betrayed by those who benefitted, and of later being spoken ill of by the very voices that once used him as a point of reference.

As I stood there listening, I vividly recalled this pre-2022 general election statement:
“Rabuka ga e rawa ni vakadavori rau.”

To make sense of it, I thought of a man who became the steward of a historical house. He repaired it, renovated it, and extended it for his vast family - a house that shelters many. Years pass. Children grow. Degrees are earned.

Then, in a twist of events, they say the steward is old. That he should retire. That his time has long passed.

Yet they are now the same age the steward was when he built the extension, replaced the patched areas, and fixed the leaks of the house. And with all their education, prowess, and confidence, they have built nothing.

That is wisdom without merit.

His message that day was simple:
Do your best - with whatever you now have, wherever you are now.

“Kevaka walega mera kila na veika au sa qarava rawa ena vuku i Viti ena dela ni nodra yabaki.”

The intention was, and remains, very clear: remove fear, restore voices, restore dignity, and uphold genuine democracy.

By all means, state your case objectively in a manner that earns it recognition and respect; and with it, a possible solution.

Just do not go crying to daddy when times are hard, only to later present the ‘Golden Age Home’ option once you are settled.

08/02/2026

RELAX MADA

As usual, he came way ahead of time. I had to inform him that the Chief Guest, the late Tui Kalabu, had not arrived yet. The Party Leader stated that we should proceed with preparations and that I should not mind him as he waited in his official vehicle.

With a great team, I have always put up a well-organized event, ensuring everything is close to perfect. Very much driven by the Gifted Hands quote, “You can do what they do, but only you can do it better.” It has become a part of me; my mantra.

While at the brunt of it and ensuring the final touch-up, his driver called and said, “Koya via raici kemuni.”

I walked beside the vehicle where he was sitting as he wound down his windshield and started, “Dua a talanoa.” In the midst of that very busy and very much concentrated environment, he pulled me out. As if to say, “Relax mada.”

He narrated the story about the Turaga Na iTaukei Sasa, Ratu Marika Kauvere, and his exchanges with his matanivanua. Ratu Marika explained that there are three categories of wise people, in the Macuata dialect, tolu na iva’atagedegede ni tamata vu’u. Va’atagedegede ni tamata vu’u i ca’e, the higher calibre of society; vu’u i loma, considered the middle class; and those who are very much mischievous, the so-called “advice-givers” who should rather take heed of advice - the category the matanivanua belonged to, the vu’ula’i.

I could not control and contain my laughter as it was the first time I had heard it, and I never saw it coming. Added to it, I know the character of the story. The late Ratu Marika is my grandfather’s older brother, who later served as the iTaukei Sasa following Ratu Marika’s demise, and my younger brother is named after him.

For a brief moment there, I forgot that I was organizing an event.

I will continue this on Wednesday with the title, “Wisdom without merit.” I thought this category of wisdom had gone into oblivion over that last 16 years. No. It was hiding all along, inside the dungeon, afraid to creep out. Now, when the cowards are freed, they become judges.

28/05/2024

LIBERATORS NOW BECOME THE VILLAINS

Last weekend I had the pleasure of reading various opinions regarding the latest move in parliament. Now, I intend to freely express my views on the matter.

Truth be told, I respect most of the sentiments shared, even agreeing with some. Views may differ, nonetheless, we are all entitled to it. With that said, I will commence with a bang. Simply agree to disagree where our issues differ.

I believe that elected representatives must be paid more than appointed officials. It is simply right. In that, the people are made aware that they have the ultimate will and authority as to who leads and who receives the big bucks. It also limits corruption and bribery when one is rightly paid, especially in high office.

Most permanent secretaries and department heads are paid more than ministers. Being a right-hand man myself, my mentor who is now a minister used to earn more while he was still a department head. How much more? Approximately $40,000 more.

Additionally, I believe that these representatives are more than qualified to receive those approved salary packages. As illustrated, most of these MPs have received even more in their former life.

My only issue is with timing. Honestly, I have shared my perspectives with some within our party. After a great deal of contemplating, I believe the time was a bit awry.

However, I am pleased that despite the decision being considered unpopular or even regarded as bad, our representatives united in that judgment. Allowing themselves to be crucified equally by critics.

We as typical human beings are always quick to fault findings. This weekend I was reminding myself not to be hypocritical in answering the question, “Have I sacrificed as much as they?”

Most have that luxury of condemning the move, which I respect. I have renounced this right as I would find myself a hypocrite.

I was present when candidates sold their vehicles and even houses in order to have campaign funds. I am still saddened by those who yielded their assets and sacrificed so much yet lacked the votes to attain a sit in parliament.

All these sacrifices, for what? To be free from the traumatized environment of fear and uncertainty that existed for the past 16 years. And it was worth it.

They carry on with the post-COVID-19 salary deduction approximately one and a half years into the position. They facilitated the increase in the minimum wage from the beginning of last year. They got rid of TELS and provided scholarships.

Back-to-school assistance of $200 per student, no more contracts and returns of unfairly terminated staff, retirement age extended, ensuring judicial independence, and many more.

When the need arises for them to be paid for what they are rightly owed, so-called heroes are quick to throw the first stone. At least, this government allows itself to be chastised. In a quick turn of events, liberators now become the villains.

This is my personal opinion and like most, I am entitled to it. I have been an iTaukei long enough to know our typical character of being too quick to forget, judging without being fully informed, speaking too soon before we contemplate, inconsiderate, and easily swayed.

If the consequences of last Friday's decision are severe, then at least we are united in welcoming the outcomes. If worse comes out of it, as a staunch supporter of The People's Alliance, I would simply say to our representatives, “It is indeed an honour to have served with you.”

21/08/2022

LILIANA PARETI WARID

Even before we met, I told fellow youths that I would get along well with her. This while she started her interview with the Party Leader soon after the inception of The People's Alliance.

When I met her with Mr. Edwin Warid, she introduced herself in this manner, “My name is Liliana Warid, and I love Jesus.” That is confidence and style.

At one of our first meet, she said something that really resonate well with my perspective on life. We view life simply in black and white. There is no such thing as a tilted standard or bending the rule. The order of things is in a straight line. We only have the right and the wrong, the order and the disorder, the lawful and the lawless. There is no such other colour in between.

By the way, that same viewpoint is the sole reason why I intended all photos on this page to be black and white.

We always enjoy cups of milo and those delicate homemade buns at Tea Totoka where we talked about politics and life in general. We even recapped most of the profound stories from her Life With Liliana show.

She is that genuine friend most long for. Honestly. The one that will speak the truth enabling others' development and growth to become a better version of themselves in society.

Time and time again, she had helped me with this. Though most times it hurts, authentic people tell it as it is. It is objective and not in any way personal, even when correcting and advising an individual. In this state, there is no room for gossip and rumours.

Some see it as being offensive, yet to individuals like her, they are clearly helping. For instance, a doctor may prescribe an awful tasted medicine or a painful procedure but it is intended for one’s good health. This is simply how she rolls.

I started stating that I already knew that we would get along well, even before having a glimpse of her. As Hamlet put it, to know ’a hawk from a handsaw.’ In reality, I could easily tell and had been proven right of her genuineness and her authenticity.

This is where I endorse such a statement, ‘Liliana Pareti Warid comes in highly recommended.’

26/07/2022

MANOA SERU NAKAUSABARIA KAMIKAMICA

Before I crossed over to Vanua Levu last weekend, we planned to have a quick chat on Saturday with The People's Alliance Deputy Party Leader Mr. Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica. Our topics of discussion range from youth’s political engagement to campaign policies, and personal approach and philosophy.

Speaking of philosophy, I told Mr. Kamikamica that in politics, my loyalty has always lain in the principle of genuine democracy. One would easily note that I end my piece with the hashtag and that on my posts I love to use the word, ‘genuine, honest, authentic and credible.’ In politics, to be authentic is to have no selfish motive yet to truly be in line or be at the heart of the greater purpose of serving. There is no room for self-ambition.

Most times when I visit Nadi, the youths there always spotlighted Mr. Kamikamica. Last month among youngsters, he attended and provided for the funeral of a Nadi youth member. The relatives of the late lass were truly honoured when they saw Mr. Kamikamica attending. This is considered a true heart of dedication in service.

Looking at Mr. Kamikamica in the eye while he was explaining, I could easily rule that he is a simple man and he is as genuine as one gets. The Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka knows his reasons. It was only wise and right that he chose a genuine person like Mr. Kamikamica to be his initial deputy.

Talk about his experience. He served as the Head Boy for Queen Victoria School in 1984, the Dux holder of the same year, and the best all-rounder. In Fiji, he has truly influenced the nation's corporate world. Having to sit in major General Managers positions, especially in three of Fiji’s main industries; finance, aviation, and even apparel. These do not include the board on which he served as a director.

Did you know that he was the first iTaukei to become a member of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants? Looking at his interview last week with Sashi Singh Talking Points and again his write-up that was shared last night, this great man demonstrated the qualities of a strategic thinker and enabler with a calm and purposeful demeanour. Fiji’s dire position craves for such a man as he.

One would correctly state that Mr. Kamikamica is a modest man yet very genuine, devoted to the essence of duty with a reservoir of knowledge that will be of immense benefit to the nation.

21/07/2022

CECIL ARTHUR CAKOBAU BROWNE

Last night, we met for an informal talanoa session with the current and former professional financiers and bankers who most had once worked with and under the leadership of Mr. Cecil Arthur Cakobau Browne.

While finishing off, I thought I would pay tribute to other provisional candidates in the party so together we could know them a bit better.

I was requested to host the event and to give a brief introduction of Mr. Browne. We have travelled together on a few visits, but once I got a copy of his CV yesterday my respect for this great man rose thrice a level.

He hardly raises his voice as he only speaks softly. Yet the approach and respect his subordinates have for him are on another level. I believe this is due to the vast and diverse experience, character, and work ethic that he retains.

He is so genuine and humble yet possesses immense knowledge. E rokovi saraga baleta ni sa rui tamata dina. They said that if you are true to the small aspects, only then can you be credible for the big things.

He shared that he had enough to take care of himself and his family. This is undeniable, considering his retirement package and investments after serving as General Manager in most Asia-Pacific countries, Fiji as well. I believe his family will still be safeguarded long after when he moved on.

Why politics then? He elaborated, “Knowing that we have encountered an unprecedented debt level, and understanding a few solutions in which I could have helped yet if do nothing then who will. Before submitting my application to The People's Alliance, I told myself if things do not go as planned at least I am happy knowing that I gave my name and that I tried to help this nation.”

Realizing what we know now, Fiji needs the right people like Mr. Browne for the job. More than doing the right thing we need to help fix the problem to truly relieve the hardship of those that we serve. Genuinely observing despite having a soft voice, his heart and mind would perform spectacle.

12/07/2022

YOUTHS ARE NOT SECONDARY-CLASS CITIZENS

The notion that youths play a critical role in the development of society and nation-building, especially in this era is undeniable. This is more crucial to a youthful nation like Fiji.

‘Youths are our future leaders; youths are the change agents; this is a youth movement’ always sounds good and is very much influential until when it is not. Especially when such declarations are proven false and the naked reality is uncovered.

In this informational era, judgment towards an idea, opinion, and even fact change rapidly. Also, be reminded that trust is like pure gold, once relinquished, it is hard to reclaim.

I have always believed that youths nowadays learn better when given a seat at the table and listening to mature and experienced leaders making decisions. What other better way for juniors to be educated?

Youths are not kindergarten pupils, neither primary nor secondary school students, yet vulnerable decision-makers that can genuinely benefit the development of society if given the proper recognition.

The notion of treating youths like minions for them to clean the boardroom and provide coffee during the meeting is long gone. Youths must be treated like adults. Leaders and even political organizations who quickly unearthed this reality will surely have youths' support.

Being a conservative and a traditionalist, I am not in any way implying that youths should disregard and disrespect parents or competent leaders of our society. Yet, for these leaders to really recognized and ensure that their stand-ins partake in decisions making.

Youths are not secondary-class citizens, nor citizens-in-waiting. Society must give youths the necessary acceptance and acknowledgment they deserve. It is only right. Times have changed, change with it.

28/06/2022

HE GOT TONS

Recently while visiting New Zealand, with his motions synchronising on an Indian beat as posted by Lynda Tabuya, most Indo-Fijians are surprised that Mr. Rabuka still has it and especially still got moves.

Apart from having a great time with the Fijian diaspora on the land of the long white cloud, a clear depiction of racial and ethnic harmony is something one could witness.

In my opinion, women tend to have reacted more emotionally to circumstances and are very sensitive when it comes to trust.

Showcasing his style to a woman of his time and later dancing with women of a much younger era could indicate that both these generations have long gone forgiven and burned the bridges of the troubling past.

Day after day, he has engagements. Around Fiji and now internationally, meeting Fijians from all walks of life. More than simply having style and moves, Mr. Rabuka is undoubtedly still got it in terms of national leadership. Leaders have followers, and he got tons.

25/05/2022

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Before introducing the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and ahead of the sworn-in ceremony of Anthony Albanese at the Government House in Canberra, the Official Secretary began his address as such,

“Dawa Nyugah. Dawa Ngunawal. I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Ngunawal people. And pay my respect to their elders, past and present, and emerging leaders, and extend that respect to all other Aboriginal Australians that have gathered here this morning.”

This is class and more so, pure character. There is nothing racist about that act. There is not even an inch of discrimination.

In my opinion, this has not been the case in Fiji. We even had gone away with ethnic categorical data. Where are we going with this absurdity? This is not an idea of a bad country, yet a country that is badly led, as Mr. Rabuka used to say.

This is natural for all indigenous people, something Niko Nawaikula fought to achieve, ‘we are not soliciting to be perceived as above others, yet simple to be accepted and recognized.’

22/05/2022

ONWARD TOGETHER

Yesterday while conceding defeat, the outgoing Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia stated, “On a night like tonight, it is proper to acknowledge the functioning of our democracy. I have always believed in Australians and their judgement, and I have always been prepared to accept their verdicts.”

Thus, congratulations to the Labour Party and the Prime Minister-elect Anthony Albanese. Australians have spoken.

Since Fiji’s independence, the nation has never truly experienced or observed a smooth transition of power. Something countries with enormous landmass, massive military, much stronger economies, and densely populated had managed to attain for centuries.

A sad and despicable reality in Fiji, coups have always been insight when there is a change in government.

This must stop. We must rise above politics and value Fijians' judgement. If they decide to transform government, like a true statesman, one must concede, step aside and support. Whether one considers oneself to be on the right or the left of the political scale, one must respect the will of the people.

Come what may, as the National Federation Party said best, ‘Onward Together.’

27/04/2022

OBLITERATE THE TARGET

“Is it ready?” one asked.

“The manifesto is ready. However, we must tread carefully as if we are going to war. We need to safeguard our people and conserve our strategies. Few things one must understand before going into any battle. One requires a weapon that could make an impact, and most importantly the need to determine the perfect timing to fire that weapon,” he responded.

“Without a weapon, it would be hard to dismantle one's opponent. Detonating a weapon too early, might misfire and exposes one’s position. If late, then one forfeits the opportunity to obliterate the target,” the Leader explained.

With that being said, Mr. Sitiveni Rabuka withheld the release of The People's Alliance manifesto, stating that there are many ‘copycatters’ and ‘cut and paste’ individuals around who will modify and use our very own priced missile against us.

As if all had been enlisted in the army, listeners at Raiwai welcomed this strategic move by responding, ‘vakasama vinaka saka.’

At Tamavua village last night, a villager asked Filimoni Vosarogo about the impact of this missile on this year's general election. He responded by stating, “If this was a game and even if the referee want to play unfairly by favoring the opposite team, with the dire need for change, the enthusiasm that Fijians have for our party, and this well-prepared manifesto, the opponent still does not stand a chance and will surely lose.”

Wame Waqanaceva

14/02/2026

10/02/2026

08/02/2026

28/05/2024

21/08/2022

26/07/2022

21/07/2022

12/07/2022

28/06/2022

25/05/2022

22/05/2022

27/04/2022

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