In 1987 two military coups led by ethnic Fijians overthrew Fiji's elected government and governing councils. Three years later, no one would claim things are back to normal, but changes are happening. In a newspaper message on 18 October - the Hindu celebration of Diwali - the Prime Minister of the interim government, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, wrote of the need for harmony, tolerance and respect between ethnic Fijians and the Indians, who make up 46 per cent of the population. 'Let us rededicate ourselves to promoting and facilitating national unity and strengthening the bonds of nationhood. Let us pray that despite our diversity and differences we can yet set an example to the world.'
At a conference two weeks earlier a Fijian chief, who had led the militant Taukei movement which terrorized Indians after the coups, spoke to Indian Fijians. 'I would like to apologize for all the nasty words and actions I carried out three years ago,' said Ratu Meli Vesikula. 'As I pray for our country, I pray for you.'
He went on to apologize to ethnic Fijians for misleading them over the coup, and to Fijian moderates. 'I am sorry if I have spoken out against you... You were right, I was wrong. I ask you to forgive me.'
As the import of these words sank in, Indian and Fijian alike rose to accept the hand of repentance and apology.
20,000 Indians had left since the coups, mainly professionals with their families. YP Reddy, head of a major construction company, had seen his business reduced and his community bridge-building efforts restrained. He responded, 'There is a great change. He is sincere. He and I and all of us can work together for the betterment of Fiji.'
