Villagers call for laws rooted in local traditions

Calls for Fiji’s laws to better reflect local traditions and village life were strongly voiced during the Constitution Review Commission consultation in Naselesele, Wainikeli, Taveuni today.

Maca Finau urged leaders to stop adopting foreign-inspired laws and instead focus on legislation that reflected the needs of ordinary Fijians.

“Stop adopting Western laws. Let us stick to laws that best suit ordinary Fijians,” Ms Finau told commissioners during the consultation at the Naselesele Village Hall.

Speaking before community members, Ms Finau questioned whether some modern laws truly reflected the customs, traditions and way of life practised in villages across Fiji.

“We are losing our identity when we continue to copy laws from overseas,” she said.

“The laws of this country should protect our people, our culture and the way we live as Fijians.”

She added that many villagers struggled to understand policies and legal systems influenced by overseas models.

“Not every foreign law will work for us,” Ms Finau said.

“What works in other countries may not work in our villages. Leaders must listen more to the people on the ground.”

The consultation drew villagers from across the community, with discussions focusing on whether Fiji’s Constitution and laws adequately represented the voices of ordinary citizens.

Ms Finau also stressed that future legal reforms should be shaped by local realities rather than international trends.

“We want laws that respect our traditions and support families and communities,” she said.

“The Constitution must reflect the hearts and values of the people.”

The meeting in Taveuni formed part of the Constitution Review Commission’s nationwide consultations aimed at gathering public views and recommendations on the country’s supreme law.