Cogito, ergo sum. I think, therefore I am. (René Descartes, mathematician and philosopher,1599-1650)

Wednesday 23 September 2009

Snippets: Yabaki on Dialogue; PM to UN Assembly; PM on Power; Eid; Punja Bio-diesel on Lau

Yabaki Urges Dialogue As The Way Ahead

Citizens' Constitutional Forum leader, Rev.Akuila Yabaki, says the way forward in yet another Fiji crisis is through dialogue. The CCF is still coming to terms with the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution in April, Yabaki said, but continues with its community education program which it started years ago on the themes of human rights, multiculturalism and good governance.

This is being done “even now under the Public Emergency Regulations. The purpose is to create greater public understanding and awareness on democracy, human rights, citizenship and good governance; and encourage greater and constructive participation and contribution of citizens to their own governance and development”. He said as part of this work, the CCF had taken on board the aims of the government’s People’s Charter for Building a Better Fiji, including the sections encouraging dialogue. These include developing a common national identity; building social cohesion through consultation and dialogue based on principles of mutual respect so that outcomes are broadly accepted as legitimate; achieving higher economic growth which requires enhanced cooperation and partnerships between government, the private sector and civil society; and the way forward that must involve national dialogue on key issues that impact on national development (i.e. consensus on national identity, land reform, indigenous institutions, and a changing role for the military.)
Read more...
PM to address UN General Assembly
Two weeks after declaring his government’s position on general elections to a Commonwealth delegation, PM Bainimarama will address the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week on the same subject. He will inform the General Assembly
of the progress the country is making and also the timelines that we have set through the Strategic Framework for Change and Roadmap to Democracy,” Bainimarama said in a government statement. --FijiLive

Accept We Are in Power: PM
People should now accept the fact that we are in power,join us in this journey and follow the agenda of the nation.
That is the message from the PM speaking during the 2010 Budget Forum when he spoke to the business community, civil society groups and senior civil servants about the public and private sector partnership.The private sector should stop thinking of their personal interests when they are invited by government to contribute during the forums and meetings. He said the bigger picture of what the government wants should be clearly understood by everyone. There are many people living below the poverty line and everyone should work on ensuring that the poor are assisted. -- FijiLive.

Eid a Time for Unity
This is a time for people of all religions to come together.That is the sentiment of many as they join Muslims around the country who are celebrating the end of their month long fasting or Ramadan. Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Eid shows that there is a need to understand each other and share happiness with others. Muslims around the country mark Eid with feasting and the sharing of gifts with neighbours and friends along with the sharing of the traditional drink "Sawaii".

Punja Eyes Business in Lau Group
Business tycoon Harry Punja is planning to set up a factory in the remote Lau Group to generate bio-diesel fuel. Lau Provincial Council chairman Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara has confirmed Punja’s interest in the project. Punja is also looking at setting up a factory in Suva to take advantage of the government’s push for renewable energy. --FijiLive.

2 comments:

snoopy said...

THe PM is obviously trying to be consultative but with his Military background it seems it will take time. He cant help but be directive.

patrick said...

I can't work out whether Rev Yabaki is Arthur or Martha? Does he know? Dialogue can only be achieved when the sanctions and ostracism are lifted. We cannot talk when the hostilities here and overseas have not ceased.