COI findings
In the court of public opinion, transparency isn’t a courtesy. It’s a duty. The findings of the Commission of Inquiry should’ve been released. Taxpayer dollars funded it, and therefore, the people have an unquestionable right to know what their money uncovered. This is not about protecting political interests. It’s about respecting the trust that the Fijian public placed in you, the Coalition Government, to manage their affairs, not your own or your political interests. By withholding the findings, you risk conveying fear — fear of the truth and its consequences, or fear that individuals within your ranks may be implicated. Either way, it casts a long shadow of suspicion, undermining unity and fuelling public suspicion and doubt. Let’s not forget the timeless words: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” Truth is not the enemy of leadership; it is its foundation. You were elected to serve — servants of the people, not masters of secrecy. The nation is watching. Honour your mandate and your moral obligations to the people so you can sleep a whole lot better at night. Colin Deoki, Australia
Go home now
The welcome at Ellis Island, New York, has for over 100 years stated, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” but now someone has used a black Sharpie marker to add “unless they want to go to Harvard”. Australia has over 100 students there at the moment, and despite Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggesting Harvard was “fostering violence, antisemitism, and co-ordinating with the Chinese Communist Party” I doubt this involves Australia students, nor the other overseas visitors. The Australian students will be studying hard, as they tell their parents, or having a few beers, the more likely reality. Doesn’t the US constitution have a first amendment that protects “freedom of speech” even if Harvard was speaking inappropriately, which they aren’t, or has it been crossed out with that big black Sharpie marker? Harvard University has a great reputation built over almost 400 years, Trump University didn’t last a decade. Come to Australia, we have a number of great universities and you will be welcomed. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
Power to change
The Coalition has armed itself with “good governance”, merely as a philosophy, in my opinion. It has spent half of its term self-promoting and internal fighting instead of putting wise thoughts into prudent action that advances the well-being of those governed. I believe it has built a politically “hostile” sphere that has reflected a government disowning its people. Recently, the PM has publicly been “signalled” out because of internal political disagreements within his own party. With all due respect, I believe the Coalition has self-inflicted itself with its own greediness and self-service attitude. Is it fair for the Fiji people to be continuously disowned and disrespected? We, as Fiji’s patriots, legally possess the “democratic power”, to replace any government we see fit. It is not the President, nor the PM, or the A-G for that matter. The Government and Fiji’s Constitution has to be for the governed, not the governors. Previously, our constitution had been abrogated only for the “wrong” reasons. Maybe, I am certain this time it should be for the “right” reasons. However, it is not enough to just want change; we have to make it happen. Mahatma Gandhi stated: “The future depends on what you do today”. Samu Silatolu, Nakasi, Nausori
Fiji and 2013 Constitution
From a Christian point of view, I believe that one of the main reasons why the 2013 Constitution was drawn up, was to reflect the oneness and unity in the Kingdom of God in Fiji. Back then, Fiji was debating on a national name for all the people born or living in Fiji and have decided to become a Fiji citizen. Calling a person “Kai Viti” only applied to native iTaukei and that is why the iTaukei Land Trust Board was named Native Land Trust Board back then. The mentality of the Kai Viti assumed that only us iTaukei should be called Fijian, while the “Kai India” be called Fiji Indian and “Kai China” called Fiji Chinese etc. The 2013 Constitution is Bainimarama and Khaiyum’s legacy in legalising all the different races living in Fiji to be called Fijian, among other matters. The call that all Fijians are on a level playing field appealed to all Fijians and it was one big reason for the FijiFirst party’s massive win in the 2014 General Election. As a Christian, I wanted to be part of this move and was accepted by Sayed-Khaiyum to be an election candidate for the FijiFirst party in 2014. What is the implication if the GCC, PM or Government make a move to abolish the 2013 Constitution? Will the God of nations grant His blessings on a nation that hates unity and is bringing back racial discrimination? Please leaders, do not abolish the 2013 Constitution but amend whatever sections that should be amended! God bless Fiji. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Tacirua, Nasinu
