Dictatorship justifies Ratu Mara's fleeing to Tonga [1]
Thursday, May 19, 2011 - 21:45. Updated on Friday, September 6, 2013 - 13:41.
Dear Editor,
I disagree with outlandish view of Mareko Vuli that Tonga's recent extraction of Ratu Mara is a game-changer just like the New York twin towers attack in 9/11.
Just like economic refugees breach Australian territorial waters illegally or the US Navy Seals breached Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan without the locals knowledge does not necessarily make it a game changer, yes they breach sovereignty but let's look at the context as there are other issues greater than this.
If Prince William of Great Britain was in strife in Zimbabwe and needed extraction, he would reach out to his family (albeit royal) to assist him. Given Ratu Mara is a close relation of the Tongan Royal Family, it doesn't strike me as odd that the Tongan Navy would assist by rescuing him, given he was living in a military dictatorship. If one of my family members was in strife, I too would do what I could in my powers to help them out.
Frankly, I don't think local Fijians will care let alone know this has occured because of the media censorship in the country. Nor will locals be abusing Tongans living in Fiji because of this - seriously staying alive and surviving would be important to them than Tongans coming to take one of their own home. Hasn't this been happening between tribes and leaders for hundreds of years between Fiji and Tonga? So why now is it of such great concern to you?
Besides, it's great that we have one of the top officers in a position to really tell us what is going on with the leadership, their thinking, power plays and how it is really affecting local Fijians. Australia knows more now, as does NZ and US, hopefully more people to pressure Fiji to do the right thing. I would think you would want to know what is really happening to your country folk, rather than focus on someone helping their relative escape a tyranny.
Let's hope more of the truth is exposed so that the people can rise up against the never ending power battles and coups in what is a beautiful country and people that is eroding. Don't go bashing the one person who managed to get out and lived to tell about it!
Here's to TRUTH and social justice for the people of Fiji!
Yours sincerely,
Natasha Lemoto Hanisi
natasha [dot] hanisi [at] mail [dot] com