Kamisese Mara

“I received my money from the treasury, I used to very early to go the clubs, but when the burden of looking after my children came upon me I tried to live a quite life, and save as much as I could.”

“It is with obedience to your call that I take up the burden of government leadership for the final time.”

“I thought they know that I was the Commander in Chief, not that I know that I am the Commander in Chief, and they should behave; know how to behave to the Commander in Chief.”

“And I said, yes, if you think that I avoid bloodshed by standing aside, then I will stand aside.”

“I suspect the psychological pressure associated with that crisis caused the first mental blackout I had ever suffered. It contributed to a deterioration in my health that later required the insertion of a heart pacemaker.”

“The first money I have been offered was as District Officer Ba.”

“Even institutions of State, such as the judiciary, were seriously weakened, to the extent that the citizenry justifiably feared a breakdown in law and order. The business community was hit by a slump in sales and confidence, leading to reduced earnings and loss of jobs.”

“I have never been bribed as a Prime Minister.”

“In a multi-racial society, trust, understanding and tolerance are the cornerstones of peace and order.”

“I have been sustained by cane field, the cane plantation I have.”

“How could I stand by and watch my house on fire?”

“Fiji had experienced the ordeal of two military coups.”

“It is from the traditional family that we absorb those universal ideals and principles which are the teaching of Jesus, the bedrock of our religious faith. We are taught the difference between right and wrong, and about the law, just punishment and discipline.”

“The family teaches us about the importance of knowledge, education, hard work and effort. It teaches us about enjoying ourselves, having fun, keeping fit and healthy.”

“Whom am I going to trust if I have to back again.”

“He said there is 80 of us, ready to come down and the next thing I knew is that Jo Brown dashed in and said your family has already moved and you have to move, the boat is ready to take you out. I didn't have time to ask, even ask a question.”

“I was the deputy Chairman of the Democratic Union of the Pacific, and we started at 8 I think and I was called to the telephone and to be told there's a coup, the government has been overthrown - it was round about 9, 10 when the Parliament sat they had done then.”

“If the constitution goes, I go.”