Dawn of Fiji’s new era

Ronnie Chang , Martintar Nadi.

The resurrection of the Great Council of Chiefs, from its ashes on the Chiefly island of Bau, following 16 long years of fearful dominance and cruel suppression, truly signifies the dawn of a new era for Fiji.

This is momentous.

Immediately following Fiji’s celebration of our Girmityas, both these auspicious celebrations, are truly historic.

I wish to sincerely thank the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his vision and wise counsel.

My thanks go to the Coalition Government as well.

Bringing back the GCC to life, is a journey of a thousand miles. The first baby footsteps are now taken, with pride and courage. Leaders must shine. They must lead us all to better and greener pastures. Poverty must be addressed. Health and education are not to be overlooked.

Violence against women and girls are serious matters. The inability of numerous iTaukei men (and women) to handle alcohol responsible needs addressing.

Glue sniffing by our youths is another problem.

Additionally, as a voice for the silent majority, please lend your helping hand to close our Martintar Nadi nightclubs and kava bars by 1am each day, every night.

To our own, Tui Nadi, please note Nadi is the melting pot of many races from all walks of life. Enamanu Cemetery is full. Even in death, Government has the duty of care to provide the land necessary and correctional services to bury our dead, respectfully.

I have two excellent friends supporting me readily.

Our efforts over three long years are stuck. Presently our “little red file” is stalled with a Deputy Prime Minister. We will stand on our own two feet in this noble venture. We seek Government’s blessing.

We will need some “seed funding” support from generous NGOs i.e. the European Union, Diplomatic channels, and the like. This noble project for all people of Nadi needs to progress, with utmost urgency.

I first raised this issue from about January 2015.

The then President and Prime Minister were present at the late PS Sugar‘s funeral in Enamanu Cemetery.

I publicly beg Government’s support through these columns for the benefit of all citizens of Nadi.

Three long years of persevering as a truly caring and retired kai Nadi, is a long time, in anyone’s books.