President Speech For The Opening of Parliment

- Honourable Speaker of Parliament;

-  The Honourable Acting Chief Justice and Honourable Members of the Judiciary;

- The Honourable Prime Minister;

-  Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers;

- Honourable Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers;

-Honourable Leader of the Opposition;

- Honourable Member of Parliament;

- Your Excellencies, High Commissioners, Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corp

- Distinguished Guests;

- Ladies and Gentlemen.

Miau sa bula re and a very good morning to you all.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, Please allow me to acknowledge and greet our countrymen and friends joining us this morning via television, live streaming and Walesi platforms or radio.

I acknowledge your keen interest in the State Opening of our Parliament.

It is an honour for me to be here today, to open this new Parliamentary Session.

As I look upon the Honourable Members of this August House, I am humbly reminded of the immense responsibility that come with representing the diverse voices and aspirations of our people.

As democratically elected representatives, I ask that you Ii ten to the voices of our people, not only those who elected you, but to all our citizens young and old, men and women.

I urge you all to faithfully embrace with resolve the principles of democracy and humanity as enshrined in our  stitution.

In doing so we will continue to re pect the integrity and dignity of our Parliament.

We must acknowledge and recognise our differences; however, we must be united with one common goal to ensure that we live in a progressive and prosperous nation.

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere inspects the parade outside Parliament on March 4, 2024. Photo: Leon Lord

In addition, Government is mindful of the need to relocate an additional 44 communities affected by climate change around the country.

Processes are in place in the preparation of a robust Policy Framework to support the existing SOP for Planned Relocations.

Lessons learnt from previous experience will be the basis of the Policy Framework.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, the Government is committed to greater accountability, transparency, and good governance practices in all Public Sector Entities including Public Enterprises.

The re-establishment of the Higher Salaries Commission has resulted in an independent and transparent approach in the determination of remuneration relating to top executive positions in public sector entities.

Government will continue to improve collaboration and efficiency in the Civil Service.

I am pleased to announce that Civil Service Day will return this year on 28th of June to celebrate the contribution of civil servants.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, with regard to our tourism sector, it is encouraging to note that visitor arrivals have surpassed pre-COVID figures.

By the end of 2024, we anticipate welcoming one million visitors for the first time.

Tourism is a key driver of our economy.

A higher number of visitors means increased demand for the necessary support services that will be required to support the influx of arrivals.

Government will implement a 10-year strategy for the industry through the National Sustainable Tourism Framework, which will position Fiji in the global travel and tourism market.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, Education will continue to be a priority.

The implementation of the Education Summit outcomes outlined in the Denarau Declaration, will be pursued.

This includes the review and modernisation of the Education Act and relevant laws, policies and programs.

The formulation of a new Sector Strategic Plan for the next 10 years, is aligned to the needs of the labour market, and will also address the issue of labour mobility.

An Education Commission will be appointed to undertake a holistic review of our education system so that it is adequately aligned to our needs.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, Government is committed to expanding Fiji's trade by broadening exports with our trading partners.

The Government will continue to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operatives by enhancing regulatory compliance, access to markets, and sustainable finance.

Most importantly, Government will continue to promote value addition in our resource- based sectors to allow the effective participation of our resource owners.

Government is also committed to digital transformation with initiatives such as the National Digital Strategy and the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, Government, is committed to implementing the National Action Plan for Women's Economic Empowerment.

Gender-responsive budgeting across all sectors will be implemented this year.

The Child Justice Bill and Childcare and Protection Bill to modernise and strengthen the legislative framework for children, will be a priority this year.

Government will continue to enhance social protection programmes complemented with coverage for climate and disaster shocks through the adaptive social protection framework.

As announced last year, the National Defence Review is ongoing to address the changing security landscape.

The recent seizure of approximately four tonnes of methamphetamine requires the review of the Illicit Drugs Control Act and related legislation.

The Police Force will collaborate with counterparts in source-countries to curb the smuggling and trans-shipment of illicit drugs to and through Fiji.

Partnerships with religious bodies, traditional and community leaders, and other stakeholders are crucial in the fight against crime and drug trafficking.

The review of Defense, Immigration and National Security legislation will be given priority.

Honorable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, in our health sector, Government is committed to addressing the significant challenges posed by the burden of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, which impose a substantial burden on our population and the economy.

Our health strategies and programmes will be directed to ensure effective delivery in revamping health programs relating to:

- Child and Adolescent Health,

- Immunisation and Early Childhood Development,

-  Sexual and Reproductive Health in eluding HIV and AIDS,

- Maternal Reproductive Health, and

- Cancer Prevention.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, the Great Council of Chiefs has been re-established under the iTaukei Affairs Act.

The successful meeting last week saw the appointment of members of the Council, and the Chair and two deputies to lead the Council.

The Council will now examine the Final Report of the GCC Review Team, which made various recommendations to ensure the independence and new structure of the Council.

Most importantly, to ensure political neutrality.

I am pleased to note that after extensive consultation process, the Bill on Traditional Knowledge and Expression of Culture will be tabled in Parliament later this year.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, Government will review the State Lands Act and related legislation to streamline procedures and further improve revenue collection.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, water is a basic need and crucial for our socio-economic development.

Our water and sanitation infrastructure requires long-term planning.

The Water Sector 2050 Strategy outlines necessary investment and enhancement initiatives in the water and wastewater sector.

The Government is committed to ensure that all our citizens have access to clean drinking water.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, Government is committed to revitalising the shipbuilding industry with the construction of a new facility in Lautoka that will be able to serve both domestic and foreign-going vessels.

This will be achieved through Public and Private Partnerships and support from development partners.

The review of the Maritime Transport Act 2013 is intended to align with international standards and promote a safe and sustainable maritime transport sector.

The National Energy Policy 2023-2030 underpins Government's commitment to a resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable energy sector.

The objective is to achieve universal access to electricity by 2026, reduce green-house gas emissions by 30 percent, by 2030 and transition fully to renewable energy by 2036.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, Agriculture will continue to be the backbone of our economy for food security and export.

Government is committed to provide every citizen access to adequate, safe and nutritious food, whilst fostering a competitive and sustainable agriculture sector.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, associated with the development of our agriculture and other resource-based sectors, rural development is a key national priority.

Government will implement a wide range of socio-economic activities to support the goal of growing the rural economy and raising the standard of living for our rural communities.

Government will prioritise a wide range of programs to revitalise the rural economy and encourage self-reliance include funding for:

- Self Help Programmes,

- Community Access Roads,

- Footpaths and Footbridges,

- High risk water and sanitation projects,

- Rural Housing Assistance Programme, and the

- Rural Outer Island Development Programme including improved shipping services.

A new National Disaster Risk Management Bill to replace the Natural Disaster Management Act has been approved by Cabinet and will be tabled in Parliament later this year.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, I am pleased to note that a tripartite labour fora has been re-established with representation from workers, trade unions and Government working together to address issues relating to our labour force.

These fora will play a pivotal role on issues relating to employment, productivity, workplace relations and the national minimum wage.

The Employment Relations Act and its subsidiary legislation is also being reviewed.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, there are numerous challenges in developing the fisheries sector, which is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Government will develop strategies and programs to support responsible fishing practices to meet the growing demand for seafood while sustainably preserving our oceans.

The Fisheries Act 1941 and related legislation is also currently under review.

In our forest sector, the emphasis will be addressing climate resilience and sustainable forest management, Government will continue with the campaign to plant 30-million-trees-in-15-years an initiative started in 2019.

The review of the mahogany industry has been given priority by Government, and the focus will be on sustainability and value addition to improve foreign exchange earnings and enhance the participation of resource owners.

Government will work with the private sector and stakeholders to:

- develop public housing infrastructure,

- improve access to finance and

- encourage construction of climate resilient and energy-efficient homes.

Government will continue to regularise informal settlements to ensure security of tenure.

The revitalisation of municipal markets will be a conduit for the growth of economic activities, and special attention will be given for further improvement.

Government is committed to empowering ratepayers to elect their own representatives to city and town councils.

The review of the Local Government Act and Elections Act is ongoing to facilitate municipal elections.

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament and Distinguished Dignitaries, as we embark on a new Parliamentary Session, I urge you to consider sentiments expressed by your fellow citizens and bring their concerns to this august House.

I challenge our Parliamentarians to work across the aisle, find common ground on critical issues facing our nation and put the people first, above petty political interest and personal ambition.

Let us not see challenges as mountains, but as common missions to ascend and resolve with open and constructive dialogue, with a view to build social cohesion.

To all our citizens, wherever you are viewing this address from, I challenge you to stay informed about the policies and decisions made by your elected representatives, and to hold them accountable for their actions.

I urge all our citizens to continue to engage in constructive, respectful dialogue and to seek understanding and common ground in our diverse society.

This is the democratic way that we all must value and cherish.

I wish you all great success for this year and it is now my duty and great honour to declare the 2024 Parliamentary Session open.

May God Bless us All and May God Bless Fiji!

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