The People's Prime Minister

Samiuela ʻAkilisi Pōhiva (7 April 1941 – 12 September 2019)

 Photo Credit/Kalino Lātū

Point to Ponder: “To live in the hearts one leaves behind is not to die.” Thomas Campbell

He struck me as a very thoughtful, generous individual. He lived in a small, humble home on the outskirts of Nuku'alofa, always came across as a man of the people who lived a simple life and didn't care much for the perks of office.  -- Newshub's pacific affairs correspondent Michael Morrah.

Story Line:  During out visit to Tonga in 2018, my wife and I had good fortune to meet and chat with this truly humble man in a chance encounter. We were having lunch in a street café and The Honorable Prime Minister and His Advisor walked in. Our Tongan friend introduced us and The Honorable Prime Minister invited us to join on his table. He watched the video about Tonga that I was in process of making and then asked us what we thought of his country. Our discussion continued about industrialization and tourism and also about the Silicon Valley. In very modest inquiring and honest way he expressed his views about those subjects and his great concern about environmental issues. We were honored and touched by his humility, candidness and simplicity. Since then, we have kept in touch with his Advisor who is now a good friend, and had exchanged some messages with The Honorable Prime Minister through him.

Up on returning home, my curiosity led me to do a lot of research about him. I was truly impressed to learn about his passion for democracy and human rights and the price he paid to achieve these objectives for his country and people. Once described as the Nelson Mandela of the Pacific, Mr. Akilisi Pohiva was the first commoner to be elected Tonga's Prime Minister in 2014, rather than being appointed by the King. Since learning of his death yesterday, I have been thinking a lot about him and his remarkable life of service. For some reasons I still can’t figure out why, but I remembered a Reflection from very very early days. (April 06, 2007) while thinking about this great man. He was always there for his People. 

https://www.msn.com/en-nz/entertainment/story/akilisi-pohiva-the-peoples-prime-minister-and-his-quest-for-democratic-reform/vi-AAHbkhE

Reflection: The Doctor Is: In

Points to Ponder: “What we once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Helen Keller

Story Line: The story was about the doctor in a small town. He was a very kind and caring man. He loved what he did: which was to serve people who were sick and needed help. His clinic was full of people from early morning hours to late evenings; and he was always available to serve any one in need at any hour during the night as well.

Appropriately, the sign outside his office always indicated; The Doctor Is: In

The doctor was too shy and also too busy to find someone as a mate and thus a single man. He had an assistant, a very caring and good hearted nurse who had worked with him for years. She liked and respected this man’s passion for his profession and dedication to a worthy cause. Over time, they developed liking for each other and decided to get married.

Finally, came the day of the wedding ceremony. When the doctor was about to leave his house, a couple arrived to his clinic with a very sick child who needed an emergency surgery. He forgot about everything else and focused on the sick child. The bride and the guests waited for a long time and then gave up. Feeling sad and humiliated, she left the town.

For years, the doctor kept servicing people as he always did. Eventually, life took its course and this good man died of an old age.

The whole town gathered to pay homage to this man who had served them selflessly and whom they loved dearly. One big dilemma emerged at the end of the services. What should be the right epitaph for a man who lived such a great life?

While the town people were struggling to find the right words for the inscription on his tombstone, the former nurse (yes, the bride who had waited) arrived at the scene. She had heard about her former boss’ death and had rushed to the town. The town people shared their dilemma about the epitaph with her.

After paying her respect to her former boss and saying final good bye to him, she pulled out a plaque from a hand bag and put it on his tombstone.

It read- The Doctor Is: In

(Yes, that was the same plaque that had hung outside his office during his entire life)

 My mother told me this amazingly touching story in either late 60s or early 70s. We don’t remember the source. However, if anyone knows the source, please let me know and I will pass on the credit where it is due. Thanks

 

Comments

[Nandeep]

Very beautiful

[Anne]

A good, humble man and always put others first is very hard to find these days. What's more to say a Prime Minister.

[Seong M Son]

Being remembered for the service he gave to the people instead of his conquest.. very nice.

[humble warrior]

great character attributes from these 2 men... humble servant leaders often go far where there is no roadblock of ego

[HN]

A very touching story, thank you for sharing.
Enjoy everyday☺

[Sam]

I am glad he made such an impact on you. Maybe you were kindred spirits. Glad you ventured out to explore a new country for this to happen and then for you to share with rest of the world :)

[Oregano]

In reading this Friday Reflection, one question came up, “Why we all like humble people?” Well, here is one potential answer: In James 4:6 it says “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” And we are created by the image of God, therefore, we too don’t like the proud but favor the humble.