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| BBC Natural History Unit offers condolence |
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24 April 2004
Peter Crawford of the British Broadcasting (BBC) Television who was also Writer and Producer of 'Nomads of the Wind', wrote a letter to Fiji’s High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, Emitai Boladduadua to offer condolence for the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
His letter is as follows:
"On the Air New Zealand flight from New Zealand, I read with great sadness of the death of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
"As Senior Producer with the Natural History Unit of the BBC, I was responsible in the three years 1991 to 1993 for the production of the major BBC television series 'NOMADS OF THE WIND' which traced the natural and human history of the Pacific Islands. The episode 'Crossroads of the Pacific' featured the story of Fiji, its people and its wildlife.
" Through the excellent help of your office in London and your colleagues in Suva, I was introduced personally to Ratu Mara who gave the project his enthusiastic support. We were afforded special filming access and privileges throughout the Fijian islands, including the Lau Islands where Ratu Mara made us particularly welcome. We were assisted there by Dr Paul Geraghty.
"I understand from Isimeli Bainimara (who was then Chief Executive of the Fiji Visitors Bureau) that my film on Fiji was acclaimed as one of the most respected that had been made there, and that it contributed substantially to an increase in international interest in the country, especially in its appreciation of Fiji's social and natural history. A copy of the film 'Crossroads of the Pacific' resides with the Museum in Suva and with the Media Centre of the University of the South Pacific.
"My team at the BBC have very happy memories of our time working in Fiji - and are proud of the film we made there. This would not have been so successful without the personal support of Ratu Mara. His guidance and influence was a great encouragement to us - and I consider it a great honour to have known him.
"Please extend my personal respect and the condolences of the BBC Natural History Unit to his family and colleagues - and to Fiji at large.
"I look forward to the opportunity of returning to Fiji, perhaps next year, and to exploring the possibility of making another film which would celebrate the natural beauty and vitality of your country."
-End-
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