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National Task Team 3: Social-Cultural Identity and Nation Building The National Task Team on Social-Cultural Identity and Nation Building (NTT3) today called on all citizens of Fiji to unite and support the work towards building a vibrant and progressive nation where all communities work together for justice, peace and prosperity.
NTT3 held its first meeting at the Committee Room of the Parliament complex on Friday, 25th January 2008, following its appointment by the National Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF). The NTT3 is one of three Task Teams set up by the NCBBF. All members of the NTT3 attended the meeting, as well as several members from the other two NTTs. NTT3 unanimously elected two Co-Chairs: Ms. Lorine Tevi, Fiji Council of Social Services and Dr. Jiko Luveni, Interim Minister for Health, Women and Social Welfare. NTT3 noted that the lack of a common identity is a major hurdle to reconciliation and understanding among Fiji’s different communities. Progress towards a national identity has been weakened by divisive laws, weak governance, the lack of economic opportunities and the frequent disruptions brought about by political instability. However, NTT 3 acknowledged that despite differences, which at times have led to conflict and instability, there is always a strong sense of good will and understanding among Fiji’s diverse communities.
The growing disparity among the country’s different regions, particularly in the outer islands and the rural areas, was identified by NTT3 as an important cause of dissatisfaction which in turn promotes rural-urban migration leading to pressure on the already constrained urban infrastructure and services. This can be seen in the high number of squatters and unemployed in urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary that a balanced development approach is undertaken to address this inequity. Access to quality education, basic health and housing were considered as basic needs and a right of all citizens. Therefore it is necessary that a holistic approach be adopted to reduce the high incidence of poverty. Respect for human rights was noted by members as a pre-requisite for building a prosperous, progressive, just and peaceful nation. However, human rights must be accompanied by individual and collective responsibility. Of particular concern is the widespread discrimination against women, the elderly, people with disabilities and marginalised minorities. In addition to the Draft Consultation Document on the Preparation of the SNE Report, the NTT3 also discussed the terms of reference of three Working Groups (WGs) that it established to assist in its deliberations. T he WGs established by NTT3 will address a number of critical issues in the areas of Social-Cultural Identity and Nation Building. These include (1) Poverty, Social Justice and Human Rights; (2) Meeting Basic Needs: Education, Health and Housing; and (3) National Identity and the Role of Religion and Culture in Nation Building. The three WGs established by NTT3 will undertake the factual, diagnostic and analytical work on these issues. NTT3 WGs, by mid March 2008, will develop detailed recommendations on each priority topic for consideration by the NTT after thorough consultations through an outreach programme to all stakeholders around the country. NTT3 also expressed its concern about the lack of support provided by the international community for the PCCPP process. Despite this lack of support, members reiterated the need for community leaders to work together to mobilise the necessary resources and support for this important national initiative. They agreed that the door must be kept open to both the international community and those in Fiji who currently have reservations in participating in the PCCPP process. NTT3 expressed its resolve to adhere to the timetable announced by the NCBBF. National Task Team 1: Good Governance |
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