Independent Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has stated that the deregistration of FijiFirst is now a matter of the past, urging everyone to focus on moving forward. During his appearance on The Lens@177, Mr. Usamate dismissed the notion that the party was operating under a “two-man rule” as mere speculation.
He emphasized his commitment to serving all Fijians in Parliament, guided by principles of equality, meritocracy, and diversity, which he has upheld for many years. These values, he noted, are also shared by the rest of his Bloc of 16 members in Parliament.
“What has happened has happened,” Mr. Usamate remarked. “We are now independent Members of Parliament. We continue to fulfill our roles to the best of our abilities, and revisiting past events is not beneficial.”
He highlighted the importance of moving forward and contributing positively as an Opposition, advocating for alternative perspectives and critiquing the government when necessary. He pointed out that the Government often presents issues from a specific angle, thereby placing the responsibility on the Opposition to offer differing viewpoints.
Mr. Usamate noted that it is essential for the Opposition to gather public opinions, engage with communities, and relay these concerns to the Government to ensure that they are acknowledged.
Reflecting on his political journey, Mr. Usamate mentioned that he joined as a Cabinet Minister in 2012 during the military government and subsequently became a part of FijiFirst. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received, stating that the experiences he gained as a minister have assisted him in his current role as an Opposition member.
“I do not wish to dwell on the past; my focus is on present responsibilities and future progress,” he concluded.