There are revelations today that slight changes have been made in the final version of the draft People's Charter which will be forwarded to the President on Monday.
After the final meeting of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji, it has been highlighted that there are no policy changes.
Soqosoqo Vakamarama General Secretary and NCBBF member, Adi Finau Tabakaucoro said it does not necessarily mean that all the recommendations given by the people will be taken into account.
Another member, Josefa Serulagilagi said President Ratu Josefa Iloilo will decide on the implementation of the People's Charter.
When questioned by Fijivillage News, in response to the opposition of Charter by SDL Leader and former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase and some NGOs, NCBBF member and Fiji Girmit Council's, Dhijendra Singh said the Draft People's Charter is now a public document and independent bodies can conduct consultations on the draft Charter if they wish to clarify the figures of NCBBF that 92.5% people support it.
Adi Finau Tabakaucoro said the opposition to the Charter has only come through the media.
Serulagilagi adds that they have got figures to support what the grass root level people want.
While highlighting constitutional changes Adi Finau Tabakaucoro said normal constitutional process will have to take place.
Meanwhile, there is no timeframe by when the Charter will be implemented.
In particular the NCBBF decided to incorporate the following changes and clarifications into the final version of the People's Charter to : enhance the role of the military as set out under the principles for ending coup culture and the inserting of a new principle to end the coup culture to affirm that any person convicted of treason be not allowed to contest future general elections.
Allay public concerns about inter-faith dialogue by re-enforcing the principle of freedom of religion as provided for in the Constitution.
Address issues relating to inter-communal dialogue by adopting a set of Principles for inter-communal Dialogue and Accommodation that recognises the collective self determined identity of the "i Taukei" and other ethnic communities and contains guidelines for future dialogue based on mutual respect, the sharing of responsibilities and outcomes that are reasonably justifiable in a free and democratic society. Provide clarifications on concerns raised by the "i Taukei" community on the status of the Vola Ni Kawa Bula.
Specifically address and enhance the role of woman leaders and elaborate on the leadership qualities set out in the Leadership model.
Fully explain the measures being proposed to make more land available for social and productive purposes which include the administration and leasing of native land for such purposes.
Ensure the disabled and other special needy children are covered under the access to education for all and put in-place certain requirements relating to the composition of the National Peoples Charter Council, under the implementation measures set out in the Peoples Charter.
NCBBF Reveals Changes to Draft Peoples Charter
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