Fijian Constitution, A Beacon For Our Progress

Constitution Day reminded us, among other things, of a very important issue and that is, today, every citizen of our beloved country can proudly call themselves Fijians.

The name is universal, like Americans, Australians, New Zealanders and French and so on. Government’s move to have everyone being called a Fijian is equal citizenry. While delivering his address at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly hall in New York in September 2018, Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama said he was proud of what was accomplished by Fijian democracy.

“Where we once had only the shell of democracy, we have now pierced that shell, and we have brought the Fijian people into a genuinely inclusive society in which minority rights are respected and all citizens are equal not just in name, but in fact.

“That is the great promise of the 2013 Fijian Constitution, which has been the beacon for our progress through its vast array of political and socio-economic protections for every Fijian.”

Just take a look around the world at rugby tournaments, regardless of whether the 7s team or the Flying Fijians are playing, you will find Fijians of different ethnic backgrounds cheering together under the Fijian banner blue. When the Fijian sevens team returned home with the Olympic Gold Medal Fijians turned out in numbers, and rejoiced at the win. When Government first proposed this change, for everyone to be called Fijian, there was a big hue and cry from all sections of our country.

The indigenous Fijians own most of the land in Fiji and nobody, including this Government can take that away because it is enshrined in the Constitution, regardless of what some politicians say.

In bringing about equal citizenry, the Government has extended public utilities, infrastructure and services throughout the country, to include the disadvantaged and those living in the rural areas and on the outer islands.

Is this not what all our different religious teachings want us to do? To see Mr Bainimarama put the smiles on the faces of Fijians living in some of the most rural and remotest areas in Fiji through development is indeed priceless.

Of course the key to all of this is the foundation of the Roadmap and that is the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress which was compiled through an unprecedented nationwide consultation process and endorsed by His Excellency the President in December 2008 for implementation.

The Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development is embedded in the 11 pillars which include:

■ Ensuring Sustainable Democracy and Good and Just Governance

■ Developing a Common National Identity and Building Social Cohesion

■ Ensuring Effective, Enlightened and Accountable Leadership

■ Enhancing Public Sector Efficiency, Performance Effectiveness and Service Delivery

■ Achieving Higher Economic Growth While Ensuring Sustainability

■ Making More Land Available for Productive Purposes

■ Developing an Integrated Development Structure at the Divisional Level

■Reducing Poverty to a Negligible Level by 2015

■ Making Fiji a Knowledge-based Society

■ Improving Health Service Delivery

■ Enhancing Global Integration and International Relations

Happy Constitution Day!