Traditional culture and modern politics

Abstract

I have recently been revising my book, From the Mangrove Swamps, first published in 1988 by the Institute of Pacific Studies of the University of the South Pacific. I have retitled it Mai Na Veidogo, the Fijian translation of the original. Mai Na Veidogo was initially intended as an autobiography, but I found that I was telling the inside story of the political and social evolution of Fiji as one of those at the heart of the process. This fascinating story is woven through the account of my own emergence from a humble family in a small village in the Rewa Delta to become administrator of a wide range of government projects and head of various government ministries, before entering politics and being elected to Cabinet. I held several important portfolios and was also Speaker. The book contains an inside view of the military coup of 14 May 1987 and insights into the future of Fiji. The book consists of two parts and fifteen chapters. Part One and the first eleven chapters are a revised version of the original. Part Two and the last four chapters contain the additional chapters. There are new appendices which include some of my speeches in parliament which reflect on my policies as a Minister.