We want Fijian for all people - Submissions

Many people who made submissions to the Constitution Commission on the first day of public consultations in the Western Division want the name Fijian for all the people of Fiji.

Commissioner Peni Moore said the submissions in Nadi reflect the western reality.

One of the submissions called for the abolishment of all women’s movements in the country saying the law of the land caters well for the protection of the women’s plight.

Based on this, the Nadi resident said there is no need for women’s rights bodies.

Two people submitted that the country should go to the polls in 2014 and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama should contest and be elected to lead the country as prime minister.

Other submissions included that Sunday should be declared a rest day, the i-taukei should own the natural resources, Fiji to be declared a Christian state, corporal punishment to be reintroduced as children need to be disciplined.

A few people said that children seem to have more rights than their parents.

One constitution submission focused on getting rid of potholes on our roads while some called for the reduction in water and electricity rates.

Others called for free education up to university level and health care and support for the elderly citizens.

Moore said one of the persons making submissions stressed that there are some people who still do not have access to proper water supply.

She said the commission was told that there are seven families living in a settlement near Votualevu village who have applied for the water connection with the Water Authority but these families have not been assisted to date.


Story by: Vijay Narayan