THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
HE RATU JOSEFA ILOILOVATU ULUIVUDA
CF, MBE, KStJ, MSD, JP

Raffles Tradewinds Convention Centre, Lami Wednesday 10 October 2007

Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers;
Members of the Diplomatic Corp;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.

I address today all of the people of Fiji: our current and former citizens, whether you reside in Fiji, or are in another country. I address each one of you, regardless of your age, gender or ethnic origin.

The date 10th October is of great significance in our history as a people and as a nation. 133 years ago on this date, our forefathers signed the Deed of Cession in Levuka and 96 years later, we gained our independence and embarked on our journey as a sovereign nation.

Last weekend, nation-wide celebrations took place to mark the Fiji Day. However, 10th October, 2007 is the actual Fiji Day and a date which I sincerely trust will be of great historic importance for our Nation. Because today we embark on yet another journey, one in which Fiji will take a new direction - a direction that marks a new beginning in our efforts to rebuild our beloved Fiji.

Our country has gone through extremely challenging times, not just since the events of last December but indeed for quite some time. As we look back, it is easy to despair, and to feel distressed and anxious about our country’s situation and about its future.

I will discuss with you today what needs to be done by us to Build a Better Fiji for All.

Our challenge, as Fiji people who sincerely care about our country, is to work together to restore the image of Fiji in the world.

I believe in the goodness that is deep within our people, all of Fiji’s people, regardless of race or religion. In this goodness lies our strength. We need now to dig deep into this reservoir of collective strength: to rebuild our nation, and to regain our pride and place in the international family of progressive and democratic nations.

We must move swiftly. I have, with the full endorsement of the Interim Government, decided to establish a National Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF).
This National Council will be broadly representative of Fiji society and will consist of leaders from civil society including religious and community-based organizations, the private sector, as well as leaders of all major political parties, and the Interim Government. The Council shall be headed by two Co-Chairs, one being from the Government, and the other being from the non-government sector. Among the 40 member Council, there will be 26 from outside of the Government.

The National Council will be tasked with the responsibility to formulate a draft Peoples Charter for Change and Progress (PCCP).

The main goals of the Peoples Charter will be to provide the foundations to rebuild Fiji into a non-racial, culturally vibrant and united, well-governed, truly democratic nation, one that seeks progress and prosperity, through merit-based equality of opportunity, for all of Fiji’s people.

In formulating the draft Peoples Charter, I would expect the National Council to ensure that Fiji’s people across the nation are involved constructively and meaningfully. It is my conviction that the Peoples Charter process would represent participatory democracy at work during the transition period up to the planned general elections in 2009.

I am aware that some remain opposed or are cynical about the Peoples Charter initiative. I consider it both important and desirable to keep the door open for dialogue and for them to come in appropriately. I would request the National Council to continue the genuine efforts to get all of Fiji’s people to participate in this undertaking, since this is of great national importance.

I further request the National Council, once constituted, to proceed with its work with the utmost of urgency. The draft Peoples Charter should be submitted to me as early as possible but not later than mid-October 2008.

I had intended to announce the composition of the 40-member National Council at this launching ceremony today so that the work on the draft Peoples Charter could get underway immediately. I regret not being able to do this.

The travel restrictions introduced by our closest neighbors make it difficult for qualified and experienced people to take up key appointments. Our commitment to make the Peoples Charter initiative a truly consultative and participatory undertaking will be hampered if these travel bans are not lifted.

I am, however, very pleased to be able to announce that Archbishop Petero Mataca will serve as the Co-Chair from the non-government sector, and that the Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, will serve as Co-Chair from the Interim Government. I propose to establish the National Council as soon as possible and hope that it will be able to convene at the latest by mid-November 2007.

Let me conclude by appealing to all of the people of our beloved nation to come together, to join hands, to fully participate and contribute constructively in this initiative. To Fiji’s leaders at all levels, I urge you to respond to this calling for the larger interest of our nation.

As leaders, we owe it to our children and future generations that we leave them a better Fiji, one that is well governed, prosperous, and peaceful.

With these brief words, I have much pleasure in launching the establishment of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji and the proposal to develop a People’s Charter for Change and Progress.

Vinaka Vakalevu; Dhanyabad; and Thank You.

May God bless Fiji.