PM: Fijians unite

July 15, 2012 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom
By JYOTI PRATIBHA

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday reaffirmed his stance to provide a united Fiji for all Fijians, regardless of their descent.

Speaking to Fijians of Solomon Islands descent at the celebration of the 34th independence day of Solomon Islands at Wailoku, Suva, Commodore Bainimarama said Fiji’s many diverse cultures made it a unique country.

Commodore Bainimarama officiated at the Independence Day ceremony at Marata Village in Wailoku where hundreds of Fijians of Solomon Islands descent reside.

He said, “We have many histories, many heritages, and many stories. It is this diversity that makes Fiji the dynamic country it is today and that shapes our common identity.

“My Government has been working to ensure that all Fijians are treated equally and with dignity. Together we stand as Fijians, united as a nation,” Commodore Bainimarama said.

Spokesman of the Fiji Solomon Islands Descendents Association Josateki Gusuivalu said they welcomed Government’s plans to eradicate discrimination.

“We, the descendents of Solomon Islands labourers being for so long the victims of discrimination, stigmatisation, marginalisation and other suppressing laws and policies, are very grateful with the Government’s intention to urgently remove unjustifiable systems, policies and programmes which are based on racial discrimination or narrow communal considerations,” he said.

Mr Gusuivalu said it was their desire and determination to contribute positively to the development of Fiji.
He added that they firmly believed that the Peoples Charter held the key to a better Fiji.

Commodore Bainimarama also encouraged all present to get registered with the electronic voter registration system to be able to cast their vote in 2014.

“As we work towards building a better Fiji for all, my Government is very appreciative of the Solomon Islands’ support of and commitment to the reforms that are underway in Fiji. As many of you are aware, Fiji’s period of electronic voter registration began on July 3.

“I encourage Fijians of all backgrounds and heritages, old and young, women and men, to register to vote.
“This is an important right and responsibility of all Fijians. In order to vote in the 2014 elections, you must be registered,” he said.

Commodore Bainimarama also urged them to make submissions to the Constitutional Commission.

“This is an opportunity for Fijians to speak their mind about what they want for the future of Fiji. To say what is important to them and to their families. To speak from the heart, no submission is too small and no subject is irrelevant. Tell the Commission what principles and values you want your Government to adhere to,” he said