The much reported chasm in Fiji Labour Party is nothing more than tussle for the leadership reins by some M.Ps with lofty ambitions. Although, it is an internal matter, it could escalate to the detriment of the multi-party coalition, if not managed correctly.
On the matter of Fiji's international trade agreements which could affect the local enterprises involved in the garment industry. More transparency, dialogue and coordination is required from all line ministries. Since the matter of exports involves several ministerial stockholders, a separate entity may have to act as project manager.
The important question of the future of Fiji's traditional societies is finally being addressed in academic circles. Vakavuku conference hosted at University of the South Pacific(U.S.P) is a milestone in intellectual perspectives. U.S.P's Ms. Avelina Rokoduru poses the $64,000 question.
Traditional societies face great change
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Traditional structures in the Fijian social system are undergoing massive changes and the indigenous society must decide whether it wants change. The question was posed by University of the South Pacific academic, Avelina Rokoduru at the Vakavuku conference on Tuesday at USP.
"Can we do without a traditional system?" Ms Rokoduru asked. "If so, what system replaces that traditional social system?"
Speaking on the topic of "Religious convictions and traditional eclipses in Fiji" she said the survival and perpetuation of that system was entirely dependent on oral traditions, selective memories and only recent archival records.
She said the quick changes experienced within the system were brought about by the social agents of education, employment, media, migration, individual accumulation of material wealth and, especially, the advent of computers and information technology.
"What types of changes do we envisage? Can we control those changes? And yet again, what of the future of the Fijian traditional social structure?" she posed.
It is prudent that members of the Great Council of Chiefs attend this conference, to gain much needed insight of the changes in the fabric of Fiji's society. To understand that their traditional status is waning and they must diversify their abilities. To continue to seek entitlements, handouts and free lunches is not the qualities of leadership which Fiji as a nation needs.
The numerous use of consultants in Fiji is an indication of the lack of technical ability within the Public Service Commission and Fiji Government. The present incumbents of top positions are basically clueless in undertaking reforms on a division level. Let alone create a ten year strategic plan that solves issues like water shortage, efficiency and customer service at all levels of Government.
The Public Service Policy for Fiji Television is a welcome effort. S.i.F.M would like to see a comprehensive policy that fair and balanced in the following areas.
1.) Fair coverage of all individual villages/towns. For example; If a program is about Macuata, all villages/ towns should be visited. Same for all provinces.
2.)Advertising in Fiji should also fall under a similar public service policy. Having all advertising companies fund the system.
3.) Local Content means Local Content. Production and creative core must be a local resident of Fiji, with family ties to the community.
Fiji Human Rights Commission chairman finally summons up the courage to defend their report publication. This follows the comments of Fiji P.M and other Senators who obiviously are blindly echoing the same flawed sentiments.
International Economist in Fiji.
Club Em Designs
No comments:
Post a Comment