Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has made a special appeal to our rugby players and other sporting role models to set an example in two very important areas of national life – building one nation and treating our women and children with consideration, love and respect.
While commissioning the Lomaiviti Rugby Clubhouse in Raiwai last night, Bainimarama called for all sportsmen to stand up for the principle of One Nation.
He says we must all remain united above all else as we build a better Fiji.
Bainimarama stresses that we must drown out the voices of division – those who seek to trigger or exploit suspicion and hatred against fellow citizens.
He says it was very disappointing that one of the opposition members of parliament had to be suspended two weeks ago for a crude ethnic smear.
The Prime Minister says Tupou Draunidalo falsely stated that the Education Minister had made a reference to dumb natives when he had not said any such thing. He says such comments sow ethnic division.
Bainimarama says that we all know the creation of an ethnic rift can have terrible consequences in Fiji.
He says we have seen it all before in 1987 and 2000 when it held our nation back for almost 30 years.
Bainimarama says it must not be allowed to happen again.
He also stresses that real men don’t hit women.
Bainimarama says that they look out for them, care for them, treat them as equals, listen to them and value their opinions.
He also says that real men don’t abuse children.
The Prime Minister says the men protect them, love them and do everything they can to give them the confidence they need to be successful in life.
He says unfortunately, far too many of our men are failing that test.
Bainimarama says the level of rape and sexual abuse of women and children in Fiji is a national disgrace, the level of domestic violence is a national disgrace and shames every man in Fiji.
He calls on the rugby fraternity and every sporting group in Fiji to fight the abuse of our women and children.
The Prime Minister asked people to think carefully about what he has said because he can make all the speeches in the world about these issues of critical importance to our nation and none of it means anything unless he can get the people behind him.
