Joni Madraiwiwi quotes

Indigenous rights are those, which relate to indigenous people, their way of life, their land and their resources. They are connected in nature and the birthrights of indigenous people. (Joni Madraiwiwi)
However social integration cannot be forced and not proceed at the pace that the community considers uncomfortable.
Joni Madraiwiwi
Remember that the actions of a few, with commitment, can alter the course of world history.
Joni Madraiwiwi
With hindsight, the Samoa system with appropriate modifications ought to have been adopted. The complete acceptance of western democratic structures, apart from the appointment of Bose Levu Vakaturaga appointees in the Senate, in some respect was in advance of the understanding of democratic principles, particularly in the rural areas.
Joni Madraiwiwi
Ultimately, the best guarantor of the rule of law is not the state and the branches which comprise it but the recognition by people of its value and their willingness to fight for, and uphold it.
Joni Madraiwiwi
In order to build a common identity, we must find a name with which all of us are comfortable. While I personally have no problem with the term ‘Fijian', I recognize many others in my community are not. But let us not leave it there, let us find other options.
Joni Madraiwiwi
They (Indo-Fijians) came as indentured laborers to this land and were treated harshly. They had little reason to be grateful to their colonial masters and like the indigenous Fijians. The British crown colony of Fiji was funded in part from their toil, yet they were treated like second-class citizens.
Joni Madraiwiwi
Who would have planted the cane, run the mills and funded the colony if they had gone to battle?
Joni Madraiwiwi
It (education) broadens our minds and creates opportunities, equipping us with the skills and the knowledge to participate in the world beyond the classroom.
Joni Madraiwiwi
Should we retain our national flag that conveys historical continuity from the days of the Cakobau government to the period of British Colonial rule, or is it time for a new one?
Joni Madraiwiwi
This privileged position (lawyer) obliges you to remember that most of the population cannot afford your services or fees. As a consequence they are denied access to justice. It therefore behoves the legal profession to consider practical ways of alleviating this unacceptable state of affairs. (Joni Madraiwiwi)
Relationships between our ethnic communities are generally good but we need to continue weaving connections to the point where they are interwoven and unbreakable.
Joni Madraiwiwi
Cadet corps instill discipline in its members, where you are taught basic skills such as survival in the wilderness, unarmed combat, tracking and learning how to strategise.
Joni Madraiwiwi
At times some of our leaders send messages that people of one single race are important and they matter only. It undermines the very fabric of our society and hurts feelings and creates a feeling of not belonging for some people.
Joni Madraiwiwi
The issue which concern all of us as citizens of this country, irrespective of our political beliefs and ethnicity, is this: if we are to forbear all legal proceedings against the perpetrators of the events of 19 May 2000 what does that say about our sense of right and wrong? What does it say to those that were directly and indirectly harmed by their actions? Without an accounting, we encourage repetition of this conduct, make light of the pain and suffering people endured and suggest to the impressionable that such conduct is appropriate.
Joni Madraiwiwi
It is not our background that will count but our individual actions and initiatives. Education is the great leveller: irrespective of origin, it places everyone on the same footing.
Joni Madraiwiwi
For it is only when we all believe that the Constitution and the rule of law protects all our people and their rights, can these guarantors of rights be assured.
Joni Madraiwiwi
We celebrate who we are although we come from different communities. We are one nation, one people. We have differences and these cause problems and tension at times but we are not on the brink of inter ethnic strife.
Joni Madraiwiwi
We have survived bitter divisions in our society. Reconciliation requires us to put aside our differences and forgive the injuries done to us just as justice is essential to that equation. Those who have done wrong and broken the law must be punished. There can be no setting to rights or settling of accounts without that element. Until that is done there will be no finality to our collective nightmare. Until we all accept that simple fact the sense of hurt and betrayal continue.
Joni Madraiwiwi
The strength of Commonwealth lies in its diversity and it to be mindful of bearing economic, social, political and cultural systems which comprise its membership ... Its commonality lies in its connection to humanity, in the main it has provided an invariable forum whose members to open and continue meaningful issues of concern.
Joni Madraiwiwi
When you (Military personnel) serve in uniform, you serve your country, not your mataqali, yavusa or particular vanua. You serve the larger vanua that encompasses all of us. (Joni Madraiwiwi)
Those who decry the rule of law as a Western principle or an imported construct, misunderstand the concept. It is about abiding by a set of standards for the well-being of society as a whole.
Joni Madraiwiwi
It is not easy to remain motivated in the face of widespread apathy and self-indulgence.
Joni Madraiwiwi
Reconciliation and forgiveness is inextricably linked to the identity and unity we develop as a nation.
Joni Madraiwiwi
There is some suggestion that the Fijian model ought to be adopted as being the first people, the host culture, the landowners and the majority of the population. I have no issue with that proposition, so long as it is acceptable to all other communities as well.
Joni Madraiwiwi