Catholic nun Sister Teresia Tinanisolo emphasized the importance of forgiveness and healing while addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at the Suva Civic Centre. Sharing her personal journey, she recalled her activism during the aftermath of the 1987 coup, during which she wrote to The Fiji Times to represent those who were frightened and traumatized by the events unfolding in the country. Her poignant messages echoed the need for healing and provided visibility to the voices often overshadowed by political turmoil.
In a particularly moving recount, Sister Teresia described a moment of personal reconciliation with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the figurehead of the 1987 coup. She approached him during a public outing to express her desire for peace. “I would like to make peace with you,” she told him, a courageous gesture that symbolized her commitment to fostering understanding. This act of reconciliation was not only significant for her personal healing but also a call for broader societal healing, reflecting her belief that “reconciliation is a two-way fence” requiring participation from both victims and perpetrators.
Sister Teresia’s testimony aligns with the ongoing discussions in Fiji regarding the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aims to acknowledge and heal the wounds inflicted by past conflicts. Reverend Anil Reuben from the Methodist Church has also highlighted the necessity of collective healing and forgiveness, pointing out that sharing personal truths is essential to overcoming historical grievances. He encourages both Indigenous and Indo-Fijian communities to confront their past experiences, promoting narratives that might still linger in silence.
The theme of mutual recovery resonates deeply throughout her story and the broader narratives emerging from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission meetings, which serve to acknowledge the historical injustices faced by Fijians. As Fiji grapples with the remnants of its troubled past, Sister Teresia’s experiences provide a hopeful reminder of the power of dialogue and healing over division. The call to “share and heal” underlines the urgent need for communities to come together and participate in a collective recovery process that can foster a future filled with understanding and peace.