Koila Mara Nailatikau is a Fiji
an lawyer, who has served as a diplomat and politician.
Vasemaca Koila Josephine Mara was born in 1953. Her father, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara
(1920-2004), was Tui Nayau
(Paramount Chief of the Lau Islands
) and served as Fiji's first Prime Minister (1967-1992, apart from a very brief interruption in 1987) and later as President (1993-2000), and is regarded as modern Fiji's founding father
.
"These (prostitution, pedophilia, and child abuse) are of concern to us and it is important that while we advertise tourism, we should also educate our people in keeping a close vigil on what is happening as the side effect of tourism."
"The absence of all these values (marriage commitment, parental authority, and grandparent-grandchild relationships) is one of the main reasons for why our societies are faced by these violent criminal offences. As legislators, our primary role is to ensure the freedom and rights of every citizen of this country are protected."
"I feel that the rule of law must be upheld. I simply will not accept any apology until justice is done." (October 2004)
"As long as those responsible are still lurking in the shadows and this culture of silence remains, then certain sections of the community will remain insecure, intimidated and live in fear."
"True reconciliation must incorporate the righteous elements of forgiveness and justice. Therefore, real meaningful forgiveness will only arise when firstly, we have to identify the aggrieved party and the wrongdoer must then ask for forgiveness for a specific wrong done. Once forgiveness is achieved, then the process of justice must take place and punishment given according to law. Only then, will true reconciliation begin."
"Reconciliation cannot eventuate or materialise until the proper legal procedures have been followed, that is without interference from external forces."
"If we succumb to pardoning these men, then we are sabotaging and undermining our own ability to act without fear or favour. We reap what we sow. We will sow a culture of coups for our children. We must therefore, uphold the Rule of Law and Justice."
"I believe that Fiji is at the cross roads. We should all be proud of our traditions and our rich multi-cultural heritage."
"For all I know this has come very late in the day and it's a bit too late ... Had my father been here, I believe he would have respected and upheld the rule of law." (7 May 2005)