African-American Mayor

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

San Francisco a city from the Land of the Free and Brave, certainly indeed from the world’s largest democracy, most powerful nation and the biggest economy but yet again they have practised and done the unthinkable.

This is by appointing their first black African-American women mayor Ms London Breed for this lovely city.

Thank you to the people of San Francisco for showing the way, you all have a great and very popular President in Donald Trump with one of the oldest living Constitution in the entire planet,.

It is a testimony to all you good American nationals.

Fiji has had its fair share of a multiracial leadership post Independence from Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Dr Timoci Bavadra, Sitiveni Rabuka, Mahendra Chaudhry, Dr Baravilala, Ratu Tevita Momoedonu, Laisenia Qarase and now Ratu Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama.

Fiji has seen its good share of women mayors of the past in our municipalities and the country has appointed two women leaders of the Opposition in the past. Mrs Irene Jai Narayan and now Ro Teimumu Kepa.

Fiji is on record to be one of the only countries in the South Pacific to have appointed its first Lady Madam Speaker in 2014, Dr Jiko Luveni.

But, there are many more women leaders in all professions all over the country.

It is a great testimony to see an increase in women leadership or gender equality practised and encouraged like never before through this caring FijiFirst Government in compliance with our world acclaimed 2013 Constitution.

From 1970 we have had Ratu Sir George Cakobau as our first Governor-General, Ratu Penaia Ganilau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Tuimacilai Mara, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as our past Presidents with Gagaj Jioji Konrote now holding the fort at the Government House in Suva.

I would love to see and it would be great to have an Indo-Fijian male or female become a President or Prime Minister of our country.

And why not because our 2013 Constitution fully guarantees the same.

I personally believe it will happen soon through this FijiFirst Government leadership.

The Constitution specifically stipulates that anyone can become a PM or President and these appointments must be accepted in good faith for the benefit of all Fijians and the country.

There are now more women who are now bold and confident enough in entering the political arena due to the advocacy of Government on women’s rights and gender equality never before experienced in our country.

It is great to witness other opposition political parties emulating and taking their cue from the FijiFirst Party.