A BOLD set of constitutional and social reforms aimed at bridging Fiji’s ethnic divide and driving economic empowerment for indigenous Fijians was presented to the Cabinet Special Committee by former journalist Joe Nata.
In his submission on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill in Nadi on Saturday, Mr Nata outlined measures to foster nationhood, including making the iTaukei language a compulsory second language in schools and reforming land partnerships.
“I firmly believe that iTaukei as a taught second common language is the great unifier that is needed,” he said.
Addressing economic disparities, Mr Nata highlighted the urgent need to close the financial gap affecting indigenous Fijians, describing it as a central issue facing the country.
He urged iTaukei communities to take proactive steps while advocating for structured economic partnerships with Indo-Fijian businesses.
“iTaukei, as I wrote many years back, should get off our yaqona-drenched sulu, and start, as a people, to help ourselves.”
Mr Nata revealed he is currently working with land-owning units in Nadi on novel land-use models that encourage equitable commercial venture funding with Indian business owners.
He also proposed significant structural shifts to government and traditional governance and recommended abolishing the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and transferring its full responsibilities directly to an independent Bose Levu Vakaturaga.
“We must do everything possible within our powers to make it almost impossible to carry out another coup.”
Mr Nata also suggested adopting an elected presidential system with clear separation of powers and capping prime ministerial tenure to two terms.
