Villages present tradtional apology to PM

The 14 villages in the Island of Koro presented a  "matanigasau" or traditional apology to the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama today seeking his forgiveness after they did not support the People's Charter when it was brought to the island.

Speaking to Fijivillage News, former Methodist Church Stewart in Koro, Maika Ravoka said they make up the biggest number of those who did not support the charter and they kindly asked Commodore Bainimarama to accept their traditional apology to him and the government.

Ravoka said he was one of the key figures that worked with the church in telling the villagers not to support the charter but they are so grateful that the Prime Minister still has time for them with the development that has take place in the island.

He added that the opening of the new copra mill in Nacamaki showed the commitment of the Bainimarama government in developing rural areas especially the island of Koro which relies on copra for their survival.

Ravoka then compared Bainimarama to the biblical story where the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness of Egypt before they were led out to the Promised Land in Canaan and he believes that after 40 years of our independence, Commodore Bainimarama will take the people of Fiji into the future.

He then told the government delegates that the Island of Koro will support any moves undertaken by the Prime Minister to lead the nation to a better place for all races.

Meanwhile Commodore Bainimarama, while opening the new copra processing plant in Nacamaki this morning, told the people of Koro, that his Government understands that while officials were travelling around the country talking about the People's Charter, those in authority in the villages in Koro did not support the Charter.

Commodore Bainimarama adds that despite this, the Government is carrying on with it's development projects, like the one that was opened in Nacamaki this morning.