CW: How many times have you attended the National Presidential Prayer Breakfast, and what significance does this event hold for you personally?
Prime Minister: I have attended more than ten times since the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara introduced it to us in the Interim Cabinet between 1987 and 1991.
I have even had the honour, when I was Prime Minister to be invited to address the Leadership Luncheon with Vice President Al Gore and closed the Closing Dinner at the President Trump’s first Prayer Breakfast after his swearing in during his first Term as President.
It was at that dinner, where Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini was present, that I promised to apologise to those I had wronged in 1987, and I started by presenting the tabua with which I was installed by the Senior Officers as Commander, back to him at (then) Government House (now State House), when he was President.
I presented one to the late Brigadier Ratu Epeli Ganilau, who was then the Interim Minister for Home Affairs, called Colonel Jim Sanday in the Honours Division of the Governor General’s Office in Canberra, where he was working as an Australian civil servant, before I took another one to Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, the then recently retired President, in his traditional residence as Tui Vuda in Viseisei, Vuda, where the late Dr Timoci Bavadra’s brother, then Taukei Werecakaca.
Taukei Werecakaca came into the Vale ni Vanua intending to protest my presence, by wearing his 1987 Campaign T-shirt bearing the picture of the late Dr Bavadra.
He ended up receiving the tabua I presented, instead of the usual vanua protocol of ITaukeinakelo receiving tabua presentations on behalf of the Turaga Na Tui Vuda.
CW: When preparing to deliver the opening prayer at the welcome dinner, what key aspects or considerations influenced your message?
Prime Minister: The opening prayer was a simple prayer on behalf of all assembled, acknowledging the will of the people who had elected us to the various offices we hold, acknowledging the host government, the USA, their President, Government and people, and I also prayed for the peace in the world. I also said grace, for the opening dinner!
CW: If you had a few moments with President Donald Trump, what would be your main message to him regarding Fiji and the Pacific region?
Prime Minister: I would, while acknowledging the sovereign rights of the United States, ask for compassion for the Fijians, although residing beyond the validity of their immigration or entry and working permits authority, and have not broken any other laws, to be granted a time “amnesty” to regularise their status, like we do in Fiji for those many who overlooked the necessity to ‘regularise’ their “stay” by proper extended authorisations.
CW: Rajnesh Lingam from Nasinu has raised concerns regarding the potential deportation of illegal immigrants by President Trump. What are your thoughts on this issue and its implications for Fiji’s relationship with the United States?
Prime Minister: We must not forget that the USA was one of the countries in the world that offered refugee status entry to those who left Fiji after the 1987 coup in Fiji. Those that left after 2000 and 2006, should have sought the regularisation of their status in the US. Many have contributed positively to the economy of both Fiji (by remittances) and the US by working, and being involved in everyday trade, adding to the productivity of the USA and paying Taxes.
CW: What valuable lessons or takeaways do you gain from attending the National Prayer Breakfast, and how do these experiences shape your leadership?
Prime Minister: I further my personal interactions with people I had met in the past and add the personal camaraderie to officialese in discussions on national matters and just continue to grow my international friendship catalogue!
CW: In a previous interview, you mentioned that four individuals could potentially be considered for leadership positions in the future. Would you be able to name these individuals, or share your thoughts on their suitability for leadership?
Prime Minister: No, I do not want to create interpersonal jealousy in the party, but I am satisfied that there are capable members of the party suitable for consideration for leadership of the party.
CW: With regard to the next general election, will the People’s Alliance submit the same nominations for candidates, or will there be an open application process for those interested in representing the party?
Prime Minister: There will be a new call for volunteers for candidates, while the sitting MP’s will also be eligible to apply.
CW: The removal of the FFP government was a central theme during the 2022 general election. As we look toward 2026, what will the People’s Alliance prioritise in terms of policy and governance?
Prime Minister: We have our party manifesto which has guided our co-operation with our coalition partners in Government and there could be a revision if required, after we have studied the effects of the application of the various policy initiatives in this first term, especially the effects of ‘affirmative actions’ in education, sugar and rice industry, trade skills training, immigration, health and infrastructure priorities.
CW: Is the People’s Alliance considering continuing its partnership with the NFP in the 2026 elections, similar to the collaboration in 2022.
Prime Minister: No, we will respect their independence.
CW: Do you think the leak of Lynda Tabuya’s private video was an effort to discredit the government and/or the People’s Alliance?
Prime Minister: It was a deliberate assault on her privacy, to hurt her, her family and their reputation – for whatever reasons the perpetrators had.
CW: A letter from Narayan Reddy of Lautoka has referred to advice given by Terry Hulme to the Lautoka City Council about using concrete in the proposed Lautoka Bus Stand. Mr Reddy emphasised the phrase, “Do it once, do it right!” What is your take on this advice?
Prime Minister: It is worth looking at, and I am sure the city planners and contractors will consider the suggestion and cost implications, but his suggestion of ‘do it once, do it right’ is worth noting, considering the impacts of the ‘under surface impacts’ of rising sea levels and possible foundation movements that may impact concrete worse than tar-sealed surfaces.
CW: Jan Nissar from Sydney has described Fiji as a “beggar nation,” specifically citing Australia’s financial support in efforts to fix CWM Hospital. How would you respond to such criticism?
Prime Minister: What nation is not? Every nation borrows.
CW: Areki Dawaki has raised concerns about the RFMF’s failure to submit its annual reports in recent years. He has also suggested a potential reduction in the RFMF budget and called for an investigation. Do you have any comments on this?
Prime Minister: The ‘failure’ does not only lie with RFMF alone – the Ministry of Finance, the Auditor General’s Office should have been aware of the missed annual accounts as soon as each became overdue – a stitch in time saves nine.
CW: Edward Blakelock has echoed comments made by former President Trump regarding the global climate change talks, specifically suggesting an increase in fossil fuel production. What is your stance on these views?
Prime Minister: An increase in the production of fossil fuel does not necessarily increase reliance on it, as fossil fuel importing countries have to balance the import costs and decreasing their own reliance on the use of fossil fuels to the cost of development of their own renewable energy sources and their ‘bottom-line’ on costs analysis. Eventually, consumption will determine the ‘economy’ of fossil fuel.
CW: Colin Deoki from Australia has asked whether Fiji’s judicial system is facing a crisis. What is your assessment of the current state of the judiciary in Fiji?
Prime Minister: We must understand the ‘judicial system’ does not only apply to the courts. Which aspect is Deoki referring to?
CW: Suresh Chand from Nadi has highlighted the ongoing issue of flooding on certain roads during heavy rain, leaving parts of Nadi looking worn and neglected. Is Nadi a priority area in the People’s Coalition infrastructure rollout?
Prime Minister: Nadi is not a priority in the budget 24-25, because the whole national infrastructure and climate damage issues were considered nationally, and not locality prioritised.
CW: The Code of Conduct Bill for public office holders, which will focus on accountability and transparency, is currently under review. How do you see the role of the Accountability and Transparency Commission in ensuring these standards are met?
Prime Minister: The Bill is still being drafted, and it will be brought to the Legislative Sub-Committee of Cabinet. The objective of the Bill when it becomes the Act, and the conduct of its roles are contained in s.121 of the Constitution.
CW: Rajesh Lingam of Nasinu has commended you for your willingness to engage directly with Fijians, particularly those expressing their views via Letters to the Editor. How important is press freedom to you, and how do you view the role of the media in shaping public discourse?
Prime Minister: I, as head of Government, benefit a lot from the views expressed by writers to the open columns of The Fiji Times, because after my personal attention to the areas of concern expressed, if I find merit in the concerns, follow them up with the line ministers for either short-term or long-term remedial actions.
CW: You recently met with former US National Security Advisor, Oliver North, ahead of the National Presidential Prayer Breakfast. How long have you known Mr North, and do you seek advice from him or other figures of such experience during your meetings?
Prime Minister: This question has been adequately answered in the interview with Department of Information officials. I encouraged him to make his time available to share his personal experiences in the resolution of some of the very serious Middle East conflicts of the mid-1980s. In my discussions with officials here I have asked them not to discount the importance of interpersonal interactions in conflict resolution, particularly using his contacts from the 1980s.
CW: You also met with US Senators James Lankford and Mike Lee to discuss issues impacting Fiji and the broader Pacific region. Could you describe how these meetings are arranged, and do they reflect the key priorities you hope to address for Fiji?
Prime Minister: When officials in Washington DC found out I was coming to the NPB, various offices made enquiries with the Fiji Embassy asking for bilateral meetings with those wishing to update their records on Fiji in particular and the Pacific Islands Region in general. They appreciate Fiji’s strategic location in the Pacific and Fiji’s very cordial relationship with all the Pacific Islands governments.
CW: Dewan Chand of Namadi expressed his strong support for the establishment and aspirations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. However, former prime minister Bainimarama has referred to it as a “waste of time.” Why is the TRC important for national building?
Prime Minister: Ever since we arrived here on Saturday (February 1, 2025) US time, the mid-air collision investigations and findings and comments have been in the news. While they will never be able to bring back any of the victims, it is hoped that the findings will be used to prevent any future accidents close to busy airports like Reagan Airport, Washington – the same applies to Fiji TRC.
CW: Emosi Balei from Suva has raised concerns about the growing issue of yaqona theft with Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua also calling for a collective community effort to combat this issue. What steps do you think can be taken to address this challenge?
Prime Minister: The men of Fiji should be told that the most embarrassing thing for a man to do is steal from a garden. Minister Naivalurua, who raised the issue many times in Parliament, will now get the police, villagers and provincial councillors to co-operate in the fight against garden thefts.
CW: Nishant Singh of Lautoka suggested in his letter Another gathering that the GCC is ancient, archaic and self serving. Why do you believe it is important to revive the GCC? Additionally, what is your message to citizens who engage in discussions about an institution that holds significant cultural and historical importance to the iTaukei?
Prime Minister: The whole world has woken up to the danger of losing indigenous cultures and wisdoms, and the UN passed the UNDRIP which is UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; a global agreement that outlines the rights of indigenous people, such as the right to live freely, preserve their culture, and use their land and resources. It helps protect indigenous people from discrimination and supports their right to make decisions about their own lives, and ILO Convention 169 – an international law that focuses on the rights of indigenous and tribal people in the workplace and society. It helps ensure they have fair working conditions, the right to make decisions about their lands, and protection from harmful treatment or unfair practices. It is designed to support indigenous peoples’ rights in areas like employment, education, and health.
The ownership of Fijian (iTaukei) land and sea resources (fishing rights) are codified into law and their custodians must be recognised, and the GCC is the council that keeps everything relevant and protected in the interest of land-owners and land-users, especially the collective rights in a time when all indigenous peoples are getting outnumbered in the current situation of Natural Population Growths versus Inwards Migration Population Growth.
