Na Sala Cava? #7. What Should Be the Future Role of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC)?

Under the 1997 Constitution, the Bose Levu Vakaturaga  appointed the President and endorsed the appointment  of the Vice-President. The Council comprised 3 chiefs nominated by each of Fiji's 14 provinces, 3 by the Council of Rotuma, and 6 people were nominated by the Ministry of Fijian Affairs in consultation with the President. In recent years the BLV became heavily involved in politics but this was not always the case. For many years it was an advisory body for government on matters concerning ethnic Fijian land, custom and welfare.

What do you think should be the future role, authority and membership of the Council? How should its members be appointed? What should be its relationship with Government, Provincial Councils and other parts of the "old" Fijian administration? What limits would you put on its authority?

Comments

Na Sala Cava? #6. Church and State: Has the PM Gone Too Far?

 Speaking in Fijian in Ono-i-Lau this week, the PM told the islanders how chiefs and the Methodist Church had made the 2006coup  necessary. Radio Fiji reported him to have said: "The Methodist Church has been urged to stay out of politics and clamp political influence from their midst but warned that he would step in and make the changes to the church if it was God's will."

Was  the PM correctly reported? What exactly did he mean?  Did he say anything he has not said before?  Has he gone too far? Does any government, under any circumstances, have the moral right to  interfere in Church affairs?  Is this the "way forward?"

Comments 

Na Sala Cava? # 5. How will the Interests of Small Ethnic Groups be Represented?

Government seems intent on electoral reform that allows no place for race or ethnicity. Previously,  ethnic minority Rotuman and "Other/General" voters had their own electorates.  How will their interests be best served in the future? And what of other ethnic groups like the Kai Solomoni and Tuvaluans?  Can the ethnic minorities be accommodated in some way by party "List" seats, or by some other institutional structure outside Parliament? What are your opinions? Comments below ...

Na Sala Cava? # 4. Should Fiji have a National Pledge?

Should Fiji schools have a flag-raising ceremony and pledge similar to that in Singapore or America? 

Would Fiji benefit from having a pledge like Singapore  or the USA? Should Members of Parliament, teachers and other public servants make a pledge?  Comment on: whether you like or dislike the idea, who should make it, in what languages(s), and on what occasions.

The Singapore pledge is part of each school's daily flag-raising ceremony. It reads: We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.

The American pledge reads:  I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
It is used in public schools, the opening of Congressional sessions, government meetings at local levels, and by a number of organizations such as the Boy Scouts and the Freemasons.

COMMENTS (New comments are also welcome.  Click "Comments" at bottom of post)

#3. Na Sala Cava? Should Government Introduce a Compulsory de-Militarised National Service for Youth?

"Ione" says yes for one or two years, but only for those not proceeding to tertiary studies so that they can learn skills and help the nation. He had some support for the idea, though some readers would not exclude those proceeding to tertiary studies. One reader thought to increase the school leaving age from 15 to 17 with the last two in the service.  Others did not like the compulsion, thought it delayed employment, or said yes but not by the military. No one considered the duration of service and whether, for example, it could comprise 3-12 months followed by a month's "top up" for the next 2-3 years. No one queried whether girls should be included, or whether those trained should be on a "National Reserve" until they are, say, 30.  New readers may care to take up these questions.

# 2. Na Sala Cava? What Should the Military's Role be After 2014?

"Ione" thinks the military's role should be limited to safeguarding the elected government.Some think the military should be disbanded, while others think it should have a more comprehensive involvement.

#1. Na Sala Cava? Does the Roadmap Need a Referendum?

The argument for a referendum by "Ione" followed by comments for and against.