The inaugural meeting of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji is currently underway at the Tradewinds Convention Centre following the official opening address by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and Council Co-Chairpersons, Commodore Bainimarama and Archbishop Petero Mataca.
A number of prominent people have accepted the President's invitation to be part of the council which will formulate the People's Charter for Change and Progress.
These include ousted Opposition Leader Mick Beddoes who had earlier raised concern over the formation and makeup of the council.
Other members include Fiji Labour Party President Jokapeci Koroi, Bua Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Filimoni Ralogaivau, Serua Provincial Council Chairman Atunaisa Lacabuka, Kadavu Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Josateki Nawalowalo, Lomaiviti Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Jolame Lewanavanua, Ra Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Meli Bolobolo, Tailevu Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Josefa Serulagilagi, Macuata Provincial Council nominee Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Rotuma Council Chairman Tarterani Rigamoto, Rabi Council of Leaders Chair Rewi Teatu.
There are eight interim ministers in the council which includes Filipe Bole, Mahendra Chaudhry, Joketani Cokanasiga, Ratu Epeli Ganilau, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Doctor Jiko Luveni, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Tom Ricketts and Netani Sukanaivalu.
Others who have accepted the invitation are Fiji Media Council Chairman Daryl Tarte, Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji President Kamlesh Arya, Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha President Dewan Chand, Fiji Trades Union Congress President Daniel Urai, Fiji Manufacturers Association President Desmond Whiteside, Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association representative Patrick Wong, Provincial Youth Forum of the Fiji Islands representative Rupeni Silimaibau, Fiji Girmit Council representative Dijendra Singh, Women’s Action for Change President Peni Moore, Fiji Local Government Association President Rajeshwar Kumar, CCF Director Reverend Akuila Yabaki, Labasa social worker Selina Leewai and Fiji Council of Social Services President Lorraine Tevi.
The National Council for Building a Better Fiji has started its work today with President Ratu Josefa Iloilo calling on the council members to shape Fiji's future that would see a multi-racial society, one in which all can live in peace, political stability and harmony.
While opening the inaugural meeting of the council at the Tradewinds Convention Centre in Lami today, President Iloilo also made a plea to all those who have rejected his invitation to join the National Council.
Co-Chair of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji and Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Petero Mataca is adamant that it is an exciting time to initiate the first official meeting in the beginning of the new year.
Archbishop Mataca said people should now focus on the word which will bring us hope, peace and harmony.
Interim Prime Minister and Co-Chair of the National Council, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said we are now presented with a momentous opportunity as Fiji's people are looking at the leaders for direction, answers and hope.
He said this is to build a Fiji which has opportunities for all irrespective of their race and religion.
Bainimarama also assured the people of Fiji that the Charter will not replace the constitution and he said he is willing to get the military involved in discussing the concerns about the coup culture.
FTUC President Daniel Urai said he accepted the President's invitation to be a member of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji to move the nation forward.
Urai disagrees with suggestions that only Fiji Labour Party supporters have been appointed in the council.
CCF executive Director Reverend Akuila Yabaki said he agreed to be part of the council because it will work under the 1997 constitution.
