This was highlighted by pilot Marika Lewaqai while making his submission during consultations on the Constitution Amendment Bill in Nadi, where he highlighted that Ba is Fiji's largest province and is home to major economic contributors, including the tourism industry, gold mining operations and the Nadi International Airport.
He says despite these contributions, he did not see anyone from Ba represented among the Members of Parliament or Cabinet Ministers on the consultation panel.
Lewaqai raised concerns about poverty and the lack of economic benefits reaching traditional resource owners.
He says rocks sourced from rivers belonging to the people of Sabeto were used to establish the foundations of major developments, including Denarau, Fantasy Island and Naisoso Island.
Lewaqai questioned on what the people of Sabeto have received in return, saying these developments continue to prosper while resource owners are still struggling with poverty.
He says this imbalance needs to be addressed, particularly when communities have contributed their land and natural resources towards Fiji's economic development.
Lewaqai also commended the Coalition Government for bringing forward the proposed amendments to the 2013 Constitution.
He recalls that when he stood as a candidate in the 2014 general elections, he was asked during an interview about his views on the 2013 Constitution.
Lewaqai says he described the Constitution as fundamentally flawed and had expressed his intention to amend it if elected to Parliament.
He says he is thankful that proposed constitutional changes are now being considered after many years.
Lewaqai called for the repeal of the 2013 Constitution, particularly referring to Section 2, but recommended that Chapter 10 be retained.
He also recommended that Christianity be retained or recognised in the Constitution, expressing that removing Christianity from the Constitution would undermine spiritual values that he believes are important to Fiji.
Lewaqai urges the consultation panel to take his observations and recommendations into consideration as part of the constitutional amendment process.
