Extension?
Fiji Sports Council chairman Peter Mazey (left), and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama making their tour after the National Stadium upgrade ground-breaking ceremony yesterday. Total upgrade work is expected to cost around $17 million and the stadium is due to reopen next March. Report and pictures on pages 39 and 40. Photo: JONA KONATACI
By Maika Bolatiki
The constitutional consultation can be extended. This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun yesterday by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama at the National Stadium where he was chief guest at the commencement of the National Stadium upgrade project. “I’ve heard from the chairperson of the Constitutional Commission, Professor Yash Ghai that they would need to extend the consultation time and if they’re going to request for it, I’ll give them a month extension,” the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister said the extension would be good for the commission especially when they would be travelling a lot. According to the constitutional process timeframe, the consultations started in July and should end on September 30. When asked about the consultations the Prime Minister said he was happy that it had started. He said he would like to see more submissions from individuals, youth groups and even families. “Families can just meet and note down what they want and make their submission tothe Constitution Commission.”
The Prime Minister urged those in villages to make their submissions in groups, mataqali or as individuals.
No one should be frightened to make submissions, he said. He again urged all and in particular the youths, to take the time and make the effort to make submissions. “It is an investment in your future- the future of Fiji.”
The Prime Minister reminded all that the consultations were not intended solely for the elite groups who had traditionally held power in this country. The Commission seeks to hear from all Fijians. “No Fijian should think that they do not have anything of value to contribute. Through unique, individual experiences, each and every person has gained knowledge and insight that is important for the Commission to hear. “
He said it was time that we must let someone else represent our views.
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