Quotes by Fijian Authors

"I was the deputy Chairman of the Democratic Union of the Pacific, and we started at 8 I think and I was called to the telephone and to be told there's a coup, the government has been overthrown - it was round about 9, 10 when the Parliament sat they had done then."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Government, Parliament

3

"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."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Family, Faith, Discipline, Difference

2

"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."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Life, Money, Burden, Children

2

"How could I stand by and watch my house on fire?"

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Fire,

2

"I will, from this day strive to forge togetherness out of our differences."

Josefa Iloilo, Fijian Statesman

Unity, Day, Will

2

"Let us make a pledge now to help Fiji through this very important next stage of its journey. We can do this by promising to be patient, calm and tolerant and by respecting the views of others, even if we disagree with them."

Josefa Iloilo, Fijian Statesman

Help, Journey, Now

2

"The first money I have been offered was as District Officer Ba."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Money, First

2

"We need to reach that happy stage of our development when differences and diversity are not seen as sources of division and distrust, but of strength and inspiration."

Josefa Iloilo, Fijian Statesman

Inspirational, Development, Inspiration, Strength, Distrust

2

"Fiji had experienced the ordeal of two military coups."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Military,

2

"I thought they know that I was the Commander in Chief, not that I know that I am the Commander in Chief, and they should behave; know how to behave to the Commander in Chief."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Thought,

2

"It doesn't much concern me if Tiger plays in the tournament or no."

Vijay Singh, Fijian Athlete

Concern,

2

"I'm playing pretty good now, but my ranking doesn't say that. I'm number two."

Vijay Singh, Fijian Athlete

Now, Pretty

2

"Whom am I going to trust if I have to back again."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Trust,

2

"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."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Family, Work, Education, Knowledge

2

"Give me your trust and confidence, knowing that what I seek is for the good of Fiji, for the good of us all."

Josefa Iloilo, Fijian Statesman

Trust, Confidence

2

"I have always felt that public, commercial and community organisations should be as open as possible about their affairs. They need to be accountable to their owners, their customers, their members and communities and other interest groups."

Laisenia Qarase, Fijian Politician

Community, Interest, Open, Public

2

"If the constitution goes, I go."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Constitution,

2

"A well balanced, inclusive approach, according to certain standards and ideals, is essential for the proper governance of any country."

Laisenia Qarase, Fijian Politician

Nation, Country, Ideals

2

"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."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Health, Heart, Crisis, First

2

"He said there is 80 of us, ready to come down and the next thing I knew is that Jo Brown dashed in and said your family has already moved and you have to move, the boat is ready to take you out. I didn't have time to ask, even ask a question."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Family, Time, Question

2

"And I said, yes, if you think that I avoid bloodshed by standing aside, then I will stand aside."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Will,

2

"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."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Business, Community, Confidence, Jobs

2

"I hope she misses the cut. She doesn't belong here."

Vijay Singh, Fijian Athlete

Hope,

2

"In a multi-racial society, trust, understanding and tolerance are the cornerstones of peace and order."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Peace, Society, Trust, Order

2

"It is with obedience to your call that I take up the burden of government leadership for the final time."

Kamisese Mara, Fijian Statesman

Leadership, Government, Time, Burden