Ro Teimumu urges constitutional changes to address iTaukei concerns

Na Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa says changes to Fiji's Constitution are about securing the future for younger generations, not her generation.

She made the statement as she renewed calls for provisions affecting iTaukei institutions and rights to be reviewed.

Speaking at the Rewa Provincial Council meeting in Lokia village, Ro Teimumu said the constitutional debate was about the legacy that would be left for future generations.

"We just have to keep praying because it's not really for us. I'm 80 years old. It is for you younger people and the inheritance that will be left behind for you."

Responding to questions about proposals relating to a national identity, including the use of "Fijian" for all citizens, Ro Teimumu claimed the previous administration introduced policies that adversely affected the iTaukei community.

"The past government was there for 16 years and did so much damage to the iTaukei people," Ro Teimumu said.

"It started in 2007 when they introduced a decree and removed the Great Council of Chiefs. They chopped right from the top, and after that, there were more than 30 pieces of legislation targeting us iTaukei that need to be addressed."

Ro Teimumu said she believed aspects of the 2013 Constitution affecting iTaukei interests, particularly land, required review.

"The 2013 Constitution has targeted mostly the iTaukei, and that includes our land. You would have heard some of the discussions here today."

The story preserves all quotes and meaning while leading with the most human and forward-looking news angle—Ro Teimumu's message that constitutional reform is about the inheritance left to younger generations.

Spiritual help

Fiji needs spiritual intervention to help combat the growing social problems affecting the country, particularly drugs and HIV.

Na Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa said this during the Rewa Provincial Council on Wednesday.

Amid the rapid growing number of HIV cases in Fiji, Ro Teimumu said communities could not overcome these challenges through human effort alone.

“We cannot do it alone. We need spiritual intervention,” Ro Teimumu said.

She said the idea of prayer and fasting was first raised about 10 years ago, but it was not embraced at the time.

“Maybe the environment wasn’t right because people looked at us as if we were talking about something very strange.

“Today, the environment is right because everyone is concerned about the issues confronting our young people.

“It’s not just drugs. It’s HIV and AIDS and all the other social issues that are out there that we just cannot solve on our own.”

Ro Teimumu said the worsening social challenges had made people more receptive to prayer and fasting as part of the solution.