Fiji & Pacific Talanoa on Governance, Policy and Sustainable Development

Nation must work together for the common good As we celebrate Constitution Day on Monday September 9, I look through our nation’s tumultuous journey to discover its soul and discuss our Constitution that protects iTaukei land and cultural rights, nurtures multicultural harmony and facilitates prosperity. While we hold divergent views, we should all learn to work together for the common good of our nation. As we reflect on our nation’s current situation, we realize that we have come a long way from the painful memories of 1987. We are resilient and have the capacity to live peacefully together in a multicultural nation made up of many races and Faiths. We have had seven continuous years of national economic growth. The Asian Development Bank recently noted that Fiji’s GDP is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2019 and 3.5% in 2020. The Constitution provides an affirming framework for empowering Fijian citizens to put aside their differences and to work together. As a citizen you sho...

by Joseph Veramu (joseph.veramu@outlook.com) On the Air New Zealand plane back to Fiji from Wellington in February 2019 after I attended a week-long workshop on governance and the role of non-state agencies in the Pacific anti-corruption space, I reflected critically on the Pacific and the development aid that was poured into it. My participation had been funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) and facilitated by Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ). This article reflects on how current progressive policies are proactively shaping Pacific policy narratives and space. New Zealand’s Progressive Policies On February 27th 2018, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her foreign policy address indicated a major shift in terms of increased support for Pacific nations. For Pacific islanders used to leaders attired in power suits and mouthing policy lines on increased GDP and trade, she was like a graceful dolphin moving symbiotically in its habi...

Abel Lalagavesi reports that the team slept at Dakuivuna Village. They had an Anti Corruption Information Session where they talked about Integrity and Anti Corruption and reporting mechanism if villagers were witnesses or victims of corruption.. Abel reports that, “After the session, came across this incident where a girl was sent to the shop. Along the way she met a man who told her to give him the items she bought and give him the change to take back. When she reached home and she asked about the item she bought from the shop and the change. She found out that the item was given back but not the change (money). She went up to the man and said "qori gonna na corruption. Practice honesty."   Mili, Jone and Abel walk to Korovou Town Transparency Fiji expresses its heartfelt thanks to GOODMAN FIELDER for providing chicken and tee shirts for all our WOC walkers. The support is very deeply appreciated. #WOC2DAY Day 2 Tees courtesy of @Goodman Fielder #Dak...

The Transparency Fiji team made up of YFI, CRID and MYF volunteers have been walking from Nayavu to raise awareness on integrity and anti corruption issues. Abel Lalagavesi told me by phone that they have been stopped by passers by on the road and they have explained the reason for their walk and the importance of the public understanding anti corruption issues. Able wrote , " We woke up at 4am and started walking. Now we in Nasautoka ready for breakfast. The weather is a bit cold and I didn't bring any warm clothes 😂 I decided to wear vest instead 😊 🔫 Starting to feel body pain and feeling very very weak. But what good is a challenge walk without having this challenges. # sickbutstillgoingstrong . While walking you can still see people living in tents and damaged homes. # WOC2day . Any who I will be having a lot of late post cos Digicel sadly doesn't catch in Tailevu # nothingnew 😂 For this entry on his timeline Abel received over 60 likes and 2 shares. ...