Some matters and challenges cannot be resolved simply by relying on the traditional spheres of influence which we belong to or have belonged to, many a time dictated by our colonial past and by certain metropolitan powers.
These are the words of Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama as he officially opened the historic meeting of Pacific Island leaders with the theme "Engaging with the Pacific".
Commodore Bainimarama also stressed that breaking away from the shackles of the past will make some around us uncomfortable, but is must be done.
The Prime Minister also offered assistance to the small island states and stressed the need for collaboration and cooperation amongst the Pacific islands.
Commodore Bainimarama than went on to highlight the work being undertaken by the government to bring about public sector reforms through the Strategic Framework for Change and the Peoples Charter, the Land reforms being undertaken to make more land available for commercial purposes and the new legislations which the government is now implementing.
Story by: Roneel Lal & Dreu Vukailagi
Break away from the shackles of the past
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when