Fiji must urgently address the growing concerns over HIV and drug-related issues, with stronger community support and greater efforts to reach those affected.
This was highlighted by Founder of Drug Free World Fiji and People’s First Party proposed candidate, Kalesi Toga Volatabu, who resides in Wailevu, during the Constitution (Amendment) Bill consultation.
Volatabu raises concerns about the country's HIV and drug crisis, questioning who is speaking for the affected communities and what more needs to be done to address the gaps.
She says the proposed constitutional changes must consider the needs of ordinary iTaukei people, particularly those whose voices are often not heard in decision-making.
Volatabu points out that, according to the figures she cited during her submission, iTaukei people account for 90 percent of new HIV cases, questioning what is being done to address the situation and how communities can be better supported.
She says there is a disconnection between decision-makers and people on the ground, stressing the need to understand the challenges communities are facing and respond to their needs.
Volatabu says she is not against having a constitution, as every country needs one, but believes people must be given sufficient time to understand and consider the proposed changes.
She also raises concerns about the proposed constitutional role and powers of the Great Council of Chiefs, questioning whether the arrangements would ensure ordinary iTaukei people are adequately represented and able to hold decision-makers accountable.
Volatabu says the abilities, skills and capacity of those entrusted with significant powers must be considered, along with whether they will speak for everyone rather than a select group.
She stresses that iTaukei women must also have a stronger voice in the constitutional review process, saying their experiences and priorities differ depending on their age, disability, income and education.
Volatabu notes that only one woman was present on the review platform during the consultation, raising concerns about the level of women's participation and representation.
She says more women must be given opportunities to contribute to decisions that affect them and their communities.
Volatabu also questions the short timeframe for the constitutional review, describing the 11-week consultation period as rushed.
She compares this with the 2013 Constitution review process, which she says took four years and received more than 7,000 submissions.
She says a constitution that governs the entire country must be fair and just for everyone, rather than being shaped only by influential people or the elite.
While welcoming the opportunity for the review team to meet people directly, Volatabu says more must be done to ensure communities across Fiji have the chance to participate and share their views.
She also questions the accountability of those appointed under the proposed arrangements, particularly in relation to the appointment of the President and Vice-President, stressing the need for proper checks and balances.
Volatabu further raises concerns about the iTaukei Land Trust Board, saying that although it is mandated to serve landowners, her experience on the ground has led her to question whether their interests are being prioritised over those of investors.
She says the role of the TLTB should be strengthened to ensure it remains focused on serving and protecting the interests of the people it represents.
Volatabu says the issue is not simply whether the Great Council of Chiefs should have a constitutional role, but whether any significant powers given to it would be balanced by clear guarantees that ordinary iTaukei people, particularly women, can participate in, understand and scrutinise decisions made in their name.
She warns that rushing constitutional changes risks making the process appear imposed rather than shared, saying people need sufficient time, accessible information and a genuine opportunity to influence the proposed changes before a referendum.
Volatabu says the views of the Great Council of Chiefs are important but cannot replace the voices of all iTaukei people or the wider population of Fiji.
She says she does not support Clause 2.7, Chapter 4 of the proposed Bill, which she believes gives significant powers to the Great Council of Chiefs without sufficient guarantees for ordinary iTaukei people to have their say.
Volatabu ended her submission with a clear message: “Nothing about us without us.”
