Finally some sign that inclusive discussion may take place. Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum,Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi , ex Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, Fiji Labour Party stalwart Krishna Datt, High Commissioners and Ambassadors amongst others all together in one room without strife.
Book launch marks significant milestone towards Constitutional Development in Fiji.
The state of un-forgiveness and vengeance is a cold desolate place in which no one should linger for too long.”
Those were the words of former Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi at the launch of the handbook “Constitution: Making and Reform; Options for the Processes” at the Holiday Inn, Suva last night, hosted by the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum.
Speaking in front of over 80 invited guests, including the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, Fiji Labour Party stalwart Krishna Datt, High Commissioners and Ambassadors amongst others, Ratu Joni stressed that the handbook is timely as we are about to begin the process of drawing up a new constitution.
Ratu Joni outlined that if one accepts the need for a new constitution, the handbook sets out a number of options to be considered. He says if there is a real opportunity to devise a new constitution for which the process of public participation and consultation is thoughtfully and creatively devised and implemented, it may well be the best chance we have at laying the foundations for long term peace and stability.
In his review of the handbook, Ratu Joni highlighted the tasks involved in the constitution making process which include:
1. To think through and research the issues facing the country
2. To consider the choices of constitutional arrangements that will best respond to the issues
3. To educate and consult the people about the issues and the choices
4. To negotiate among the major political groups and those with powers of decision making about the legalized choices
5. To administer and manage the constitution making process
6. To debate and adopt a new constitution document
7. To make arrangements for implementation of the new constitution.
Ratu Joni stated that the focus of the handbook on constitution making as peace building is a relatively new and welcome concept. He says the emphasis enables the citizens of a state to come together with a genuine commitment and a passion to create structures, institutions, and systems that will be engaged in the betterment and welfare of society as a whole. He also stressed that the constitution is not only a symbol but to be a tool for building peace continuously.
The former Vice President stressed the need to search for and create the compromises necessary to healing and reconciliation as the past still weighs heavily on people’s minds and many find it difficult or impossible to forgive and forbear and it is true it cannot be forced, imposed or usurped.
Ratu Joni says he recognizes a new opportunity to build afresh and that this time there is a very real prospect of laying a foundation that lasts.
In his opening remarks, CCF CEO Reverend Akuila Yabaki also highlighted that it is by sheer coincidence that the handbook, recently published by Interpeace and co-authored by Professor Yash Ghai, Jill Cottrell, Michele Brandt and Anthony Regan, comes at a time when we are about to embark on our constitutional consultations.
Reverend Yabaki says the handbook notes Fiji’s various attempts at Constitution making and stressed not to leave the third time to chance and make sure that our third attempt will indeed prove to be a success.
He says drawing from more than a hundred constitution experiences including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, the handbook stands as a relevant guide for us as we prepare to go into constitution consultation. It also provides practical guidance on how to design transparent, nationally led and owned processes that are also participatory and inclusive and through the book launch last night, CCF hopes to generate constructive Discussion, Debate and Dialogue and find ways to reach consensus on the path towards Constitutional Democracy.
A copy of the handbook “Constitution: Making and Reform; Options for the Processes” can be accessed through the Interpeace website www.interpeace.orgor downloaded directly through the link: http://www.interpeace.org/constitutionmaking/sites/default/files/Constitution-Making-Handbook.pdf
No military. That is a good sign. Perhaps khaiyum has finally realised he needs to distance himself from these thugs now that he has used them to achieve his purpose. And let us get some facts right. Khaiyum is NOT the AG in a government. He is a junta appointed AG and as best is an INTERIM AG of the regime. He has no place in the future of Fiji.
Looking increasingly like yet another lucrative lawyers picnic.
We don’t need another constitution given the current one is valid & recognised under law – unlike this prevailing administration which isn’t…
Couldn’t agree with you more… what about ‘Interim’ do they hate so much…. can they not briing themselves to admit they are part of a military regime that was supposed to be temporary.
This can only be good for the Nation however I don’t understand why the fricken hell Qarase was there because it was his government that caused the last coup by refusing to adhere to Bainimarama’s demands.
The only legit government now is that of Bai’s not Qarase.
Don’t understand why Qarase didn’t tell eveyone too go jump years ago & take up a job overseas as a lowly paid international banker?
What would be more interesting to see is the full text of Rt Joni Madraiwiwi’s speech.
This report sounds like its had an “only the good news” makeover done to it. With a diverse crowd like that can one honestly believe that they were/are all are gung-ho about a new constitution?
If they were, then bully for them as they’ve just lost the elections before its even started.
“why the fricken hell Qarase was there because it was his government that caused the last coup by refusing to adhere to Bainimarama’s demands.”
Uh, no moron. Saying that is like blaming a woman for being raped.
Radio.
When are you going to come to terms that your master Qarase is to be blamed for Fiji’s woes for he alone caused the last coup and not Bainimarama.
Frank merely executed the coup to save the Nation.
It may be a very difficult concept for you understand because like most of this fellow’s followers they are blinded by the greed infused by none other than the leader of the SDL.
Good grief!
sao, the moronic green goon , has now completely lost his one remaining marble.
There is just no truth in the lies that he peddles to try to divert the discussion away from the topic.
KTF, yes it would be good to see the whole speech as I’m sure that there would be more in it than the rubbish put out by the illegal ministry of misinformation.
Do correct me plz, but wasn’t it bainimarama in his infinite wisdom, who appointed the much blamed Qarase? Oh and Chaudry….lol I could go on….
why is Qarase and Joni in the picture now? They were weak and afraid to arrest Bainimarama when 6 out of 8 Colonels wrote to Govt in 2005 that Vuaka was planning a coup. The result of Qarase/Joni indecisiveness was that the 6 Colonels lost their jobs and the rest is history (ie shit).
Weak people must never lead Fiji again.
The CCF is a tool of the 2006 treason and anti – indigenous. BEWARE KAI VITIS.
Dosi your correct – PM Qarase & Roko Joni did leave the picture – this came about because both were exiled – PM Vanuabalavu – Roko Solomons.
Imagine when the PM realised what was going on it was too late – as for the Roko? Best of our knowledge he was only the VP – he has however made his views on what had happened crystal clear.
You claim to be indigenous yet think like an Indian?
kai tholo – drau veivutu mada kei tu sai
Qarase is the legitmate PM. Frank is a self appointed pm backed by his guns.ie a true coward.
Hardly inclusive. Where’s the SDL. And as far as I know Krishna Datt can no longer be described as Labour Party stalwart. If I remember correctly he was suspended from the Fiji Labour Party way back in 2006/2007.
Neither of the two mainstream political parties were at the launching.