Bula
To enable citizens to directly vote for their President, changes to the 2013 Constitution will be necessary. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that the current decision lies with the Members of Parliament. Meanwhile, Attorney General Graham Leung mentioned that discussions regarding constitutional amendments will take place in Cabinet “sooner rather than later.”
In another report, it has been highlighted that Fiji will need to invest $104 million to develop new skills for 8,000 Fijians. Pacific Polytech chairman Dr. Ganesh Chand noted that currently, the nation is investing $42 million to train 3,780 individuals.
In terms of stability and trust, Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica emphasized that rebuilding the country is integral to the Coalition Government’s strategy for stability. He pointed out that the concept of stability has been recurrent in discussions as a value we must prioritize. However, he acknowledged that stability is not effortlessly achieved.
In response to the recent National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) report, which criticized inconsistent government messaging and decision-making, Mr. Kamikamica indicated that the previous administration’s actions have eroded public trust. The report revealed key concerns from various stakeholders emphasizing trust as a vital element in national security.
Mr. Kamikamica stressed that public trust in the government, cultivated over the past 16 years, is crucial. He reiterated that trust was a significant theme in the NSDR report and that it is essential to earn back the public’s trust in the government institutions, particularly the military and police. Community voices expressed concerns about government inefficiency, nepotism, and corruption, which they associated with a history of authoritarianism from previous governments.
As Mr. Kamikamica advocates for stability, there is a necessity for a united approach to foster trust. This pressing notion of stability has taken center stage in national conversations, prompting questions about how the government can enhance this stability through trust-building measures.
Key considerations include effective communication and a robust commitment to combating corruption. The past challenges faced in enforcing anti-corruption measures, especially following the 2006 coup, further emphasize the need for consistent messaging.
Moving forward, there is a call for clear and decisive actions to reinforce trust and stability. Earning back public faith in systems and institutions will require significant collective efforts toward accountability, transparency, and unity. While trust may be diminished, the choice remains to either address the issues or remain passive in restoring confidence in the future. This task is undoubtedly challenging.
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