Former Minister for Sports Rajesh Singh has provided a heartfelt personal narrative of his family’s experience during one of Fiji’s most challenging periods—the 1987 coup. Sharing his story at the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Singh recounted how his family lost their livelihood overnight when his father’s construction business collapsed as a result of the upheaval. Despite the loss, Singh emphasized the importance of survival, reflecting, “When the coup happened, my dad lost everything… but he came home alive, and that was our blessing.”
During the unrest, Singh’s father was in Namosi, where local landowners risked their own safety to ensure his return to Suva. This act of solidarity stands as a testament to the compassion that transcends racial and political divides. However, the path to rebuilding their lives was strewn with difficulties. Singh recollected how he had to pawn his gold chain and sell roti parcels on the streets to support his family.
Through their struggles, Singh and his family learned vital lessons about the dignity of hard work, unity, and the power of forgiveness. He remarked on how the events of the coup momentarily divided communities yet revealed that Fiji’s true strength lies in its people and their kindness, not in political lines or racial categories.
Now, decades later, Singh is inspired to share his story to remind the younger generations of Fiji that the nation’s future hinges on compassion and understanding rather than division. This emphasis on unity and reciprocal support echoes the sentiments expressed by others during the ongoing conversations about Fiji’s history, relating to the complex aftermath of the 1987 coup. It highlights how, amidst adversity, the spirit of community and the bonds formed during these trying times have persisted, continuing to shape Fiji’s social fabric today.
As Fiji reflects on its tumultuous past, Singh’s narrative serves not only as a personal testimony but as a beacon of hope, showing that even from the depths of despair, resilience, and mutual care can lead to healing and a brighter future for all Fijians.