Joni Madraiwiwi - Community Quotes

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Inclusiveness is disguised by the ability to offer a sometimes disturbed community a vision of themselves and the means to achieve it together.

Joni Madraiwiwi
However social integration cannot be forced and not proceed at the pace that the community considers uncomfortable.

Joni Madraiwiwi
I trust you will bear in mind the deeply-held fears and insecurities Fijian have as an ethnic community. This is a subject I dwell on repeatedly because, while I do not share them, I am sufficiently Fijian to appreciate the depths of these emotions.

Joni Madraiwiwi
When we exclude part of the community, we deny ourselves the participation and contribution of those left out. We allow the possibility of conflict in some future time, neither scenario we can afford. Everyone, irrespective of ethnicity, has a contribution to make no matter how humble or small.

Joni Madraiwiwi
Our ethnicity is part of us, however, it should not isolate or distance us from the community in which we live. People of different cultures cannot not live peacefully together unless they have respect for each other. I accept that seeking further integration is a challenge and it cannot be imposed or done under duress; the feeling has to come from within ourselves. To create an environment for that to happen, we have to develop situations and opportunities that place people in a position to make choices and this is one of them. And unless we begin to see our neighbours as people, as human beings rather than by ethnicity, it is difficult to shed our stereotypes of each other.

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
It (insecurity) is a feeling that is deeply felt and is shared by most members of my community, irrespective of religion, status, education, background or place of origin.

Joni Madraiwiwi