Any possible review or amendment of the Constitution is the way Fiji can perfect our young democracy. This was the view expressed by Independent Member of Parliament Viliame Naupoto yesterday, as he delivered a statement which outlined why he supported a review of the 2013 Constitution.
He said this process was not “anti-anyone or any political party”. “The work of perfecting our democracy is never ending; it will continue well into the future by those that will come after us,” he said.
He said in reviewing the document, the Constitution’s perceived connection to one political party must be removed. That’s the lead on the front page of the Fiji Times for Saturday, August 10.
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Synopsis
The stage is set for what is building up to be a much-hyped up Deans Trophy rugby competition quarter-finals in Suva today.
The fact that the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro gave a directive that impacted the Under 17 grade has placed this weekend’s competition on a high plane.
It raised expectations and would have impacted preparations as well.
There was uncertainty, and confusion at some point this week as the directive went out for Bucalevu Secondary School to be part of the quarters.
They defeated Nabua Secondary School, but, breached registration rules which effectively ruled them out of this weekend’s quarters.
Apparently a junior player had been moved up to the U17 grade against Nabua.
So in the ensuing exchange of views this week, both schools were affected leading up to what is a very important clash today!
We look up to the powers that be to ensure such challenges are considered, and decisions are made for the betterment of the sport, bearing in mind the impact that would have on our young ruggers.
There are laws that govern the way we live our lives. They stretch from road rules to laws overseeing sporting events. They are supposed to add clarity to what we can and what we cannot do. They are supposed to provide a semblance of order in our lives, ensuring there are regulations in place, protecting and defending people’s rights and assist in resolving conflicts. They are supposed to consider the rights of people and add quality to their lives.
Then there are obviously associated issues that no doubt would have been factored in this case which will have to be considered moving forward. We could talk about geographic locations, and numbers, and appropriate team lists in the various grades. It is important that we embrace all these factors when rules are drawn up in the future. We live and we learn! And we make adjustments and amendments as situations change and the game and participation evolve!
There are emotions attached as well and the need to also consider the impact of breaches.
So we hope there have been lessons learnt this week that will ensure schools and those tasked to promote the game at high school level are able to function effectively and confidently moving forward, for the betterment and for the sake of high school rugby.
In saying that, a lot of attention will be focused today on the premier U18 grade when Nasinu Secondary School plays Tailevu North College; Ratu Kadavulevu School takes on the might of Cuvu College; Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School plays Ratu Navula College from Nadi; and Queen Victoria School plays Marist Brothers High School.
This is the eliminations stage of the competition.
This is when players will play their hearts out to enter the semi-finals.
They will play the games of their lives, knowing a loss today effectively ends their hopes and aspirations for this season.
Yesterday, our young female ruggers came off with some exciting match-ups in Suva, raising the profile of women’s rugby.
This schools competition is the base for our national sides. It is an important platform for developing young talent. This is where it all starts, and players are groomed for the global stage! We wish all the teams well and look forward to some exciting games at the National Stadium in Suva today.
