FIJI GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ‘PEOPLE’S CHARTER’

PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

FIJI GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ‘PEOPLE’S CHARTER’

SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Oct. 11) - A plan the interim Government hopes will change the course of Fiji's history was launched yesterday. Along with the People's Charter for Change and Progress, the interim regime also launched its National Council for Building a Better Fiji, which will oversee the development of the charter.

Reactions have been predictable from stakeholders, with supporters of the interim regime applauding the move and detractors criticizing or refusing to lend it legitimacy by not commenting.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji president Kamlesh Arya said he was impressed with the statement by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo who officially launched the charter yesterday. "His statement is very appealing and very, very emotional, calling upon all citizens to join hands in supporting the initiative," Mr. Arya said. He said not supporting the charter could mean the military and the interim regime abrogating the Constitution, which would be disastrous.

Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party national director Peceli Kinivuwai maintained the interim Government did not have the mandate of the people to conduct the exercise and this showed when it received less than 100 submissions.

He said this did not represent the majority of the 900,000 citizens of Fiji. "It's (the launching) insignificant at the moment," Mr. Kinivuwai said.

"We've always said take us to quick democratic elections so that government can make the decisions for the clean up." National Federation Party general secretary Pramod Rae said they stuck by their previous position of not supporting the charter or the proposed council.

Fiji Women's Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali said they would not comment on the launching.

Citizens Constitutional Forum chief executive Reverend Akuila Yabaki in giving the vote of thanks at the launch said no coup could be adequately justified under any circumstances.

However, he said at this point in the nation's life there was a serious need to re-look at problems to find solutions to move the country forward.

Mr. Yabaki said the SDL Party should be included as members of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji.

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