PEOPLES CHARTER CONSULTATION PROGRESSING VERY WELL – ADI FINAU

NCBBF member, Adi Finau Tabakaucoro has reaffirmed that the consultation on the draft Peoples Charter is progressing very well and figures released lately indicate a high level of participation from the people, despite the very strong opposition from churches and political parties.

Adi Finau says that figures released (more than 130,000 people consulted and views recorded) must be taken in the context of the process of the formulation of the Peoples Charter which is based on the principle of inclusiveness.

“A process which aims to canvass and capture the opinions and views of the majority of the people and communities of this nation,” she said.

She added that the returns received so far have been very encouraging.

“The percentage of those expressing support after having read and understood the document is relatively high; and those that do not support or have expressed reservations have given very constructive feedbacks and comments.

“Those comments will be considered by the NCBBF in the finalization of the Peoples Charter,” she said.

She added that the draft Peoples Charter has generated a lot of interest as indicated by the many commentaries and feedbacks from the public, political parties, analysts and even academics.

“This indicates a high level of awareness and that people are taking note of the draft Peoples Charter and are being involved in the process one way or the other.”

“We are also pleased that even people like Mr. Mick Beddoes has taken the time and initiative to formulate his own version of a charter; and in so doing he is agreeing to the concept and principles of the Peoples Charter,” says Adi Finau.

“The only difference is that whilst the NCBBF Peoples Charter is an outcome of consultation with the people and intensive research and work by many including technical experts and professionals, Mr Beddoes’ Charter is his own with little or no input from the people.”

“It is most likely that it was produced with the intention to oppose and counter the work of the NCBBF and the draft Peoples Charter hence its lack of originality and genuineness.”

In regards to the legality of the NCBBF and its process, Adi Finau says the NCBBF was mandated by the President to formulate a Peoples Charter under specific guidelines and principles; and “that is exactly how we have gone about doing the work and will continue until it is done and we report back to the President”

“We are responding to His Excellency’s call for the formulation of a document to provide a framework for a way forward for Fiji, and we don’t see anything wrong or illegal with that,” she reiterated.

Thursday 6th November, 2008