The President of the University of the South Pacific i-Taukei Students Association
Committee members
Staff members of the University
Students and Alumnus
Members of the media

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, and students,

Good Evening and Ni Sa Bula Vinaka

It is with great pleasure and honor that I stand before you today, reflecting on my
journey—a journey that has been marked by challenges, growth, and moments of
profound joy. I have passed through various phases of life, from humble beginnings to
assuming the role of the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji. Today, I wish to share some facets
of this journey with you, in the hope that it may inspire and resonate with each of you as
you chart your own paths forward.

My journey began in a small Fijian village, where I was raised by hard working parents
who instilled in me the values of perseverance, humility, and integrity. Like many of you,
I experienced moments of struggle and uncertainty during my upbringing. However, it was
through these challenges that I learned the importance of resilience and determination.
One of the earliest lessons I learned was the significance of listening to my parents. They
were my guiding light offering wisdom and support as I navigated the complexities of
adolescence and young adulthood. Their words echoed in my mind, urging me to pursue
education with unwavering dedication and to seize every opportunity that came my way.

And so, fueled by their encouragement, I embarked on a journey of education—a journey
that would shape the trajectory of my life in ways I could never have imagined. I pursued
my studies at the University of New South Wales, where I immersed myself in the world
of Accounting and Information Systems. It was a rigorous academic pursuit, demanding
countless hours of study and sacrifice. Yet, with each passing day, I grew not only in
knowledge but also in character.

Upon graduating, I ventured into the corporate realm, joining Fiji Airways—a decision that
would set the stage for my professional endeavors in the years to come. For over a
decade, I served diligently in various capacities, from General Manager for Finance and
Strategic Planning to spearheading the launch of Fiji Link, the airline’s domestic
subsidiary. It was a period marked by hard work, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of
excellence.

In 2016, I embraced a new chapter in my career, taking on the role of the head of ANZ
Bank in Tonga. This transition marked a significant departure from my previous
endeavors, presenting fresh challenges and opportunities for growth. Over the years, I
had the privilege of serving in diverse roles within the banking sector, honing my skills
and expanding my horizons along the way.

But perhaps the most transformative chapter of my journey began when I made the
decision to enter the realm of politics—a realm fraught with its own set of complexities
and uncertainties. It was a leap of faith, driven by a deep-seated desire to serve my
country and make a tangible difference in the lives of its citizens. And so, with humility
and determination, I embarked on this new adventure, guided by the principles of integrity,
compassion, and inclusivity.

Today, as Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, I stand before you not as a mere individual, but
as a steward of hope and progress for our nation. My journey—from a small village in Fiji
to the hallowed halls of government—stands as a testament to the power of
perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual to
effect positive change.

But amidst the accolades and achievements, I am reminded of the importance of savoring
the moment—of pausing to reflect on the journey thus far and the countless blessings
that have graced my path. For life is not merely about the destination but the myriad
experiences and lessons we gather along the way.

As you embark on your own journeys, dear students, I urge you to embrace the
challenges that lie ahead with courage and conviction. Listen to the wisdom of those who
have walked before you, but never lose sight of your own unique voice and vision. And
above all, remember to cherish the journey, for it is in the journey that we discover the
true essence of who we are and what we are capable of achieving.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for joining me on this reflective
journey today. May we continue to strive for excellence, uplift one another, and work
tirelessly towards a future brimming with promise and possibility.

Vinaka Vakalevu.