While speaking in the consultation session, Vakatale said there seems to be a lot of misconception in relation to this issue as it keeps coming up.
The issue that seems to be misinterpreted is the section in the 1997 constitution where it states that a person must not be unfairly discriminated against, directly or indirectly, on the ground of his or her sexual orientation.
Vakatale raised this issue after a submission by Jittu Estate resident Sukulu Ramosi that gays should not live together.
She said when gays come around their area, they accept them fully but she is concerned about the influence they have on the children.
Ramosi told the commission that she has brought this up as the commission has invited people to air their views.
She also raised concern about children’s rights.
Ramosi said they do not mete out corporal punishment on their son but he does not want to go to school.
She said she has taken him to school and spoken to the teachers but they are facing similar problems in school.
Ramosi said they have requested the Ministry of Education to provide some assistance.
She said when she asked the son to go to school, he stoned their house and ran away.
He was later brought back by the police as he was walking to Wainibokasi.
Ramosi said as a mother she wants the issue of children’s rights to be addressed.
Another Jittu Estate resident Salawela Nacewa told the commission that children’s rights should be taken away and corporal punishment to be restored in the constitution due to many ill-disciplined children.
She said in their settlement, they have children who have left school at an early age and the children who roam around do not listen to the elders.
Nacewa said when the elders advice them on certain matters, these children swear at them and throw things at their houses.
Meanwhile, two security guards asked that the minimum wage rate be included in the new constitution.
Viliame Korotini said he currently earns $70 a week as the Ministry of Labour has limited their hours of work to 40 hours.
He said prior to this, he was working 12 to 14 hours a day and used to earn about $140 a week.
He said with $70 a week, it is difficult to survive due to the rising cost of living.
Koroitini said in the past, there were politicians who made promises but did not deliver or were involved in dirty politics.
He wants the constitution to state that past politicians should not contest the next elections.
Avenai Nacagilevu who also works as a security guard said he is receiving $2.20 an hour.
He said many security guards are treated badly, they work long hours and get low pay.
While speaking to the commission through interpreter Taufa Vakatele, Nacagilevu said sometimes they are woken up from dozing off and taken for disciplinary action.
He claimed that sometimes they are beaten and the company does not have an appeal system.
He also said that the Great Council of Chiefs should be reinstated as he believes that they look after the concerns of the i-taukei and the appointment of the President.
The commission is currently sitting at Ro Matanitobua House in Navua and Ratu Latianara Secondary in Serua.
They will be at Nausori Catholic Church Hall from 9am to 4pm tomorrow.
On the concerns raised by the security guards on the wage rates, we have contacted the Chairman of the Wages Council Father Kevin Barr.
We will have his comments later.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
