THE public’s reaction to the 23 new flag designs has not been entirely positive, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has confirmed.
And the Prime Minister has welcomed public debate on the new flag designs.
“I welcome this debate about the designs, the criticism of designs, as well as the positive responses that have come in,” Mr Bainimarama said while opening the Raiwai Multi Purpose Sporting Court yesterday.
“As you all know, we have a range of designs that people are now being asked to comment on.
“And I know that the public reaction to the 23 designs that have been put out hasn’t been entirely positive; we also know that many Fijians do not object to the flag to being changed but want a design they like,” Mr Bainimarama said.
He said a lot of Fijians were now, only after the designs had been put out, getting engaged and suggesting new ideas.
“In our vakamalua attitude to most things, it sometimes takes us Fijians a while to get involved, but now that is happening. And that is good,” he said.
He said none of the current designs were carved in stone and if necessary, they would review the current process to get the right result.
Mr Bainimarama has urged every Fijian of every age and background to give his/her opinion on the current designs, suggest new designs and join the crusade to find a national symbol that everyone could identify with.
“A design that speaks to the experience of being a Fijian now and in the future, not the experience of our colonial past. A great flag for a great country,” he said.
