Advances in technology have reshaped how Fijians engage with national issues, says George Speight.
Making his submission to the Constitution Review Commission on Thursday, he said technology, particularly smart phones, had allowed him to follow and reflect on public submissions to the Constitution Review Commission after spending more than two decades in prison.
“Since my recent release out of my long holiday as a guest of the Government, I’ve had to grapple with many, many developments that have taken place in society since the day I was incarcerated,” Mr Speight said.
“One of them has been technology, of course.”
The 2002 coup leader said modern devices had become an integral part of daily life, but admitted that learning to use them had been challenging.
“These devices that you all hold, and that we all use now, and can’t seem to go without, have come to be a major part of our lives, and I’ve had quite a challenging time just trying to catch up and let alone master the technology that’s come about.”
Despite the steep learning curve, he said new technology had become important tools in helping him reconnect with events and public debate since his release.
“I’m grateful for the technology (smart phones) from the point of view that it’s been a very, very useful tool for me to at least just try and catch up with what’s been going on.
“In some respects, I never ever will catch up. It’s just too much information to digest and too many voices, but I think it provides an opportunity for everyone at least to have a say.”
Mr Speight said the digital age had also allowed him to closely follow the constitutional review process and understand the views being presented to the commission.
“As far as this process is concerned, the review of the constitution, it’s given me a chance to at least listen to and understand what the views are of those who have come forth.”
