Talanoa is a much used word and a commendable habit of us people in Fiji. It brings us together. It can spread knowledge and wisdom, or, sadly, it can just become gossip.
Issues that face us TWO big issues, the Truth and Reconciliation and the Constitution are facing us as a nation and our Government as our leaders. It is the Government who will have the responsibility of action. However, it is very important that before Government acts, we, the people have our say, and before that, we need to know and to understand what these two big issues mean and involve for our future as a nation.
The importance of understanding the issues For knowing about Truth and Reconciliation we have had the benefit of the expert, Ruben Carranza, from overseas to help those who had the luxury of hearing him speak. Let us hope those who benefitted from his expertise will help us all to understand what is involved and what can be achieved. For knowing about Constitution I can add a little.
I have been involved in the composition of several NGO constitutions. The first was that of the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF). For this constitution I was most fortunate in working with a well-qualified lawyer and great gentleman, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi.
I have never forgotten his advice. “Make it as concise as possible. Do not put details in that you will not be able to fulfil later.
” How I wish many had heard that advice. Every constitution I have known to be sent to a lawyer has come back with lots of.
