They are also recommending that iTaukei language be compulsory from kindergarten and the State to be co-owners of land and resources with the indigenous Fijians.
While making submissions before the Special Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill at the Namosi Provincial Council Hall in Navua, Serua Provincial Council Chairman Tevita Boseiwaqa says he believes the word Itaukeinivanua is inconsistent with the Constitution because in iTaukei language, Itaukeinivanua means land and people ownership but some of things is not solely owned by the people but by the State.
He says they also support the Christian concept because it links to the past with Christianity being the reason for the change in the morale of our elders.
On the Bill of Rights, Boseiwaqa says many people are only focused on the rights but not on the responsibility.
He says they are hopeful that the Committee can consider amending the Bill of Rights to Bill of Rights and Responsibilities so people know that with rights come responsibilities.
The Chairman also recommended that the iTaukei language be made compulsory from kindergarten and not only in Primary Schools because children nowadays are forgetting our values and cultures.
He adds that he supports the idea of joint ownership by the government and the landowners because many of the fruits from development are going to the State then the people.
Boseiwaqa says if its a 50/50 partnership, then both will gain from our resources.
He adds that Government can continue to manage the resources but there should be a partnership with the land and resource owners.
