All Fiji citizens are Fijians as stated in our constitution.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama stressed this to the opposition in parliament today after Opposition Whip Ratu Isoa Tikoca raised the question on whether Bainimarama consulted and obtained the prior consent of the i-Taukei before using the name Fijian for everyone.
Bainimarama said consultations were held in about 1,000 villages before the People’s Charter was formulated and the issue of a common identity was again discussed during the constitution consultations.
He said many people wanted a common name for all citizens in the country.
Bainimarama also said the opposition should understand that the name Fijian is an English word.
Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula said the name Fijian belongs to the i-Taukei.
However the Prime Minister stressed that the constitution recognizes the principles of common and equal citizenry while the indigenous people are also recognized in the supreme law of our land.
