-
Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
Lt Colonel Tevita Mara had to bend down to shake my hand - while I am short by anyone's standards, so too is he incredibly tall.
That regal Mara bearing has not diluted as it has descended its way through the generations. I've known of Lt Col Mara for some time, instrumental during the coup he was part of the inner circle of soldiers surrounding the Commander.
I was wary of him during those dark days, keen to avoid him amongst others. He was no friend of the media. So we find ourselves face to face. He's tired, red rimmed eyes, his shoulders weary.
To understand what's at stake you have to understand the complexities of Fiji - the undercurrents, intricate relationships family and otherwise, and history which has a habit of rearing its head in the present.
Every time I think I come close to grasping it, another layer is uncovered. I have come to the conclusion that any non-Fijian who says they truly understand Fiji is a fool.
But you dont have to be Fijian to understand Mara's sister is married to Fiji's President. That his family are from noble stock - his mother is the granddaughter of Tonga's late King Tupou II.
This is a family with mana and it was he who persuaded so many to join Frank Bainimarama, who he says is now driven by money and influenced by Fiji's attorney general.
He says there is no resemblance to the coup plan they all agreed to and the intended outcome.
"This is a person I believed in, a person I gave my full support in my province. Lau was the only province that supported the takeover in 2006. I convinced the province which Qarase is from that what Bainimarama was doing was good for the country.
"I stood up in the Great Council of Chiefs [and said] that the direction Bainimarama was taking the country was good for Fiji. But I regret doing all that - he has betrayed me."
So now it's his turn.
Mara has the inside information, and he's going to share the details with the world.
No wonder he is so weary - his family, his life are back in Fiji and he knows more than anyone what they face because of his actions. But he says it's something he has to do. The fallout has only just begun.
Tonga is helping their blood relative by giving him sanctuary.
Fiji has demanded Mara be returned to them and the sooner the better.
The extradition - which will never happen according to Tonga laws - is just one issue. The deepening tension between two once-close neighbours another.
Tonga has a history of not taking orders kindly. This will be no different.
World News Video
-
Dangerous rush to Everest summit (1:59)
-
Dozens killed in Syrian massacre (2:09)
-
'King of Romance' competes in Eurovision (1:46)
