The Chain Breaker
by gppirsa
The most integral quality a man should have to be successful and happy in any path he chooses to follow is integrity, says Sakaraia Bilo.
Bilo withdrew from the Solesolevaki program in his Vanuakula village home and chose to follow his path for several reasons.
He broke away from the traditional communal practice of solesolevaki practised by fellow villagers because he felt trapped in the extension of the concept to other social events.
He believed instead of simply farming together to increase their income; villagers often held social events like kava ceremonies that occurred too frequently.
Sakaraia believes frequent social events and gatherings glorifying food and kava are not traditionally Fijian.
It’s instead an adaptation of Western living styles and often leaves Fijian villagers broke.
“Any occasion calls for a special gathering with demands of traditional wealth and all sorts of things to purchase while at the same time we’re trying to grow personally,” he said.
“We can be alone and commit ourselves without the slightest bonds to anything and still be fruitful with our results,” Bilo said.
However, this does not mean he completely isolates himself but rather chooses wisely the functions he attends to or contributes to.
Another reason he objects to being part of a solesolevaki effort is the tardiness he witnesses with his fellow villagers.
While at first he was committed to the programme seeing some show up late or not at all pushed him to quit.
“We are trying as iTaukei to compete with other races in the accumulation of income but are unwilling to make changes in our attitudes and habits,” he said.
Bilo also feels the need for freedom even when living in a communal setting like a village.
He believed the freedom to choose is essential rather than being forced to meet the demands of gatherings designed by foreign ideas and tight schedules to cause stress.
Bilo's changed attitude is also influenced by being away from the village for over eight years.
He lives with his wife on a settlement away from the village.
