Health, women’s rights and transportation were the main issues highlighted by the villagers of Kese in Yasawa to the Constitution Commission.

People said they need a water ambulance and affordable transportation to travel to the mainland.

The villagers want provisions in the new constitution which would speed up the implementation of better health care, education and provide assistance under social justice programs.

Some villagers also asked that women be given more rights and privileges to speak out in village meetings and youths to have access to better job opportunities.

Unaisi Ratu, a retired school teacher, told the Professor Yash Ghai led Constitution Commission that villagers have suffered transportation problems for too long as past governments have mainly focused on the Eastern side of Fiji.

A staff nurse who made her submission told the Commission that the island was in a need of a water ambulance as it was difficult to transport the sick to the mainland.

The staff nurse also told the Commission that the new constitution should cater for provisions that would ensure that public servants, when posted on islands are provided security.

The commission will take public submissions on the new constitution at the Lautoka City Council chambers and Girmit Centre from 9am to 3pm today.


Story by: Vijay Narayan