Tikoduadua Condemns Racist Comments on Scholarships, Urges Respect Across Communities

Minister Pio Tikoduadua has condemned a wave of racist remarks circulating online in response to the distribution of government scholarships, particularly those targeting the iTaukei community.

In a public statement, Tikoduadua said the comments were “hateful, degrading, and corrosive” and undermine efforts to build a more united Fiji.

He acknowledged the ongoing work within the iTaukei community to break free from a racialised mindset shaped by insecurity and fear, and warned that mocking or stereotyping iTaukei students—especially by members of other ethnic groups—only fuels resentment and deepens divisions.

Tikoduadua emphasised that the scholarship allocations reflect population proportions and are not a result of ethnic bias. He cautioned against equating “merit” with any one group’s intelligence, calling such thinking dangerous and exclusionary.

“Brilliance exists across every community—rural and urban, iTaukei and non-iTaukei alike,” he said.

He urged everyone—regardless of ethnicity or background—to reflect on their words and consider whether they build unity or cause harm. “I remain committed to healing our divisions,” he said, “but I cannot do it alone—we’re all in this together.”