In his opinion piece in the Fiji Times, he said Fiji has the language to move people to heal the crisis in creation.

Chong said the myth of economic development causes widespread impoverishment, poverty and destruction of the earth.

"We need to scrutinise so-called economic development projects in Fiji such as extractive industries, mining, logging, water factories etc.

We need to ask: who gains the most from this development scheme?"

And, he asked, how will such development affect the environment, food, water, air, and peoples' sustenance?"

"The iTaukei (indigenous Fijian) vision of the earth offers us an alternative to the destructive economic paradigm" Chong said.

The iTaukei's vanua framework sees the globe as a network of relationships between the world of spirits, peoples and the land (including all living creatures).

Like other indigenous cultures, they see creation as an extension of their lives. They see human life as part of the whole web of life together with creation.

Chong listed six iTaukei cultural practices that point to the life of connectedness.

He said these practices provide an alternative life-sustaining paradigm to the destructive economic development programme.

He went on to quote Pope Francis: "Indigenous peoples have values that guide greater responsibility to caring for the Earth.

"Indigenous communities have a strong sense of community, readiness to protect others, a spirit of creativity and a deep love for the land.

"They are also concerned about what they will eventually leave to their children and grandchildren."

Source

• The Fiji Times
• Image: Republika Magazine

Latileta Naqiri Singh was commenting after the burial of her Indo-Fijian husband Lochan Triloc Singh.

During the family church service, on the eve of the funeral, Anglican Bishop Qiliho preached in English, the prayers were said in iTaukei and English and the hymns were sung in Hindi.

Around the kava (yaqona) bowl, everyone from different ethnic backgrounds sat cross-legged in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mrs Singh said: "Love conquers all. We had to overcome the cultural, religious and racial sensitivities of the time to marry."

"I am from Natalaicake Village in Ba. He is from Lautoka," she said.

"He came from a staunch Hindu background and me from an Anglican background."

"Gradually, he began to warm towards my religion and eventually joined."

"He even donated a piece of our land here in front of our home for our church."

"He helped build it too."

"Triloc felt at home in our community. He regarded everyone equal. There is no Indo-Fijian or iTaukei, we are all one, he believed," said Latileta.

"Now my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren call themselves Fijians."

Latileta welcomed the Constitutional provision of equal citizenry and the common identity.

"It's the best thing that has happened to this country. It makes my children feel a sense of belonging in this country," she said.

Source

• fijisun.com.fj
• Image: fijisun.com.fj