Venue: Albert Park Pavilion
Na Turaga na Tui Drola;
Turaga na i Talatala Emori Koroi;
Vanua of Delainasautu, Nabena, Naitasiri;
Dean of Education, Arts and Law – University of the South Pacific;
Professors and Lecturers – University of the South Pacific;
Invited Guests;
Family and Friends;
Bula vinaka and a very good evening to all of you.
It is my honour and great pleasure to be invited to share this important occasion with you, to enjoy seeing the pride on the faces of all of you present here this evening, especially our Double Gold graduate and to feel that sense of accomplishment mixed with no small measure of relief too, I am sure. I know that feeling and I wish you Ratu Tevita Rarokolutu every happiness in your well-earned achievement.
Ladies and Gentlemen
A graduation ceremony is the dream fulfilled at the end of every student’s pursuit of excellence, it is equally a time for reflection not only on past achievements, but also the future of one’s life, career and interests. Thus, it is always important for any graduate to remember to thank those who have stood by them right throughout the journey, whether they be parents, professors and lecturers, sponsors and even peers.
Ladies and Gentlemen
We are here to celebrate Ratu Tevita’s achievement and his achievement means a lot to me as well as the Ministry as a whole. Ratu Tevita is a classic example of a devoted, hardworking and committed young Fijian. Despite the difficulties he went through, he was still able to rise above all odds and graduate from the University of the South Pacific (USP), walking away with not only with one Gold, but two Gold medals.
Ratu Tevita, you have done your parents, your village and your vanua proud. You have fulfilled any parents’ dreams and that is to graduate with flying colors. You are an inspiration to all the young people out there and a living testimony that dreams are not impossible. You have proven that anything is possible in this world, if only, one is willing to work hard, sacrifice all and be determined.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am most certain that Ratu Tevita would not be where he is today, if it wasn’t for his family. The support from his family, the words of encouragement from his father and his mother’s never ending unconditional love, enabled him to reach this great and glorious height. At this juncture, I would also like to commend his parents Savaira Navunivere and Waisea Visagai Rarokolutu for being the biggest source of inspiration and for always supporting Ratu Tevita. Your teaching, upbringing and sacrifice has definitely paid off and I am most certain Ratu Tevita will continue to do his best where ever he goes, knowing that he has a very supportive father and a loving mother.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Allow me to share a few things about his Dad whom I’ve worked with at the Ministry during my term. A very humble man, committed to his duties and always ready to be called in for extra duties, especially when my driver takes his leave or when I need a ‘matanivanua’ in the villages and communities I visit. Wise has a wealth of knowledge on the areas we visit and with his friendly personality he is able to strike up a conversation with anyone. These attributes I hope he has passed on to you Ratu Tevita and do keep his teachings to guide you through life.
Having said that, I urge you parents to continue to support your children’s education by and being a worthy role model. It may not be easy at times but I encourage you all to look beyond the hurdles ahead and actively participate in your children’s education. You will surely reap the reward, a reward that will never be forgotten.
For you Ratu Tevita, continue to learn and better yourself. Success is a journey, not a destination. Receiving your degrees today does not signal an end but rather the beginning of an exciting journey ahead. What you do, and how you do it after graduation that will determine your success in life.
Ladies and Gentlemen
With those words, I once again warmly congratulate Ratu Tevita on his great achievement and I wish you the very best.
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.