Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook
FOUNDATION OF THE PEOPLES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC
FIJI ISLANDS COMMUNITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK Published by The Foundation of the People of the South Pacific International Suva Fiji
© The Foundation of the People of the South Pacific International, 2010
First published 2005 This revision 2010
Content Supervisor Albert Cerelala Editor Evan Naqiolevu Cover design Ron Philitoga Photographs Josie Crick & FSPI
Acknowledgment The FSPI would like to acknowledge Ausaid for funding this publication.
The Foundation of the People of the South Pacific International (FSPI) is the regional secretariat for a network of 10 independent community-based organisations working in the Pacific to foster self-reliance and sustainable development.
This FSPI publication is copyright and can not be sold commercially or reproduced without FSPI’s permission. They may contain material for which other people or organisations hold copyright. Such material should not be reproduced without permission of the relevant copyright holder.
Every effort has been made to trace and acknowledge owners of copyright. These have been adapted to meet the needs of the people.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...... 1
Section 1 Constitution and Government...... 3
Section 2 Resource allocation and participatory budgeting...... 43
Section 3 Government Ministries...... 71
Section 4 Statutory Bodies and Non-Government Organisations ...... 101
ii iii iv 1 Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook INTRODUCTION
Welcome! The Fiji Islands Community Handbook has been designed to inform and help you to understand the way government functions and how the constitution is an important document that is for all citizens of Fiji. There are four sections to this handbook, which cover the constitution and government, resource allocation and participatory budgeting, the government ministries and the honourable ministers; and the statutory bodies and non- governmental organisations.
It is the intention of this handbook that you not only become aware of the constraints the government of the day may face when developing the national budget, but at the same time you should be mindful of your rights to voice your opinion on how tax- payers’ money is spent. We are merely trying to empower and inform you with knowledge to think about the functions of government and how you can also play an active role in projects set up by the government, but to also become self reliant and less dependent.
We hope you find this handbook useful and informative, as well as enjoyable to read. On the side of the main text you will find “Questions andA nswers”, which are based on mainly the government and constitution. Also, look out for the “Did you know?” inserts which cover brief historical and general information.
Do keep in mind that the information provided can become outdated overnight due to changes in policy and officials.
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2 3 Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook SECTION 1: CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT
The elected government of the day is to ensure that the citizens of the country are looked after irrespective of race, religion, creed and colour. Our constitution is there to ensure all aspects of our livelihood, work, environment and security are protected. We hope that you will recognise the importance of the constitution and the Bill of Rights, which protects the rights of everyone who calls Fiji home. It is up to you to learn about Fiji’s constitution.
You have an idea that the constitution is the “law of the land” and it states the role of Parliament and how the Upper House (Senate) and Lower House (House of Representatives) are created. This relates to how elections and voting play an important role in selecting our representatives.
We will look at the significance of voting and why each one of us should vote and how we should choose the best person who will look after the needs of our communities. Another fact is that we must ensure our government is accountable, transparent, fair and law abiding.
In this section there are three areas that will be looked at which are:
• The Constitution and the Protection of your Rights; • The Government; and • The Elections and Voting.
2 3 THE CONSTITUTION AND THE PROTECTION OF YOUR RIGHTS
Imagine Fiji without a constitution, what would our society be like without any rules or regulations? Do you think the government would function properly if the constitution did not exist?
Just think of your household or family without any rules. The rules in a house shape our values and how we respect and relate to other people. Without rules and regulations there would be chaos and people doing whatever they want. It is important that there is order in the household so that we can be law abiding people.
That is the significance of having a constitution since our basic rights, and freedoms, both as individuals and as members of a group, are secure and protected, as well as ensuring there is order in the country.
We must all know that the Constitution of Fiji is the supreme law of Fiji. It is important we respect and learn about our constitution so that we can make our own decision and comments on certain ideas without being influenced by people who may do things that are “unconstitutional”.
The Fiji Constitution promotes the values which are shared by the many ethnic groups that make Fiji their home. Fiji is a multicultural nation and all groups have shared values that is written in our Constitution which is to do with promoting social justice, importance of family, respect for other people and ensuring our sovereignty as a nation.
Parliaments and governments may change but the Constitution remains the same. If changes were to be made, a wide support is necessary within parliament and the community. The rights of indigenous Fijians and Rotumans are secured by the Constitution but it also ensures the rights of every citizen of Fiji.
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF FIJI’S CONSTITUTIONS
The present Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands was passed in 1997. It is our third Constitution. The first constitution was adopted in 1970 when Fiji gained its independence, however it was abrogated after the two military coups in 1987.
A second constitution was adopted in 1990 and seemed discriminatory, which reserved the office of Prime Minister and a built-in majority in the House of Representatives for indigenous Fijians and in the mid 1990s the government agreed that it should be rewritten.
In 1995, President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara appointed a three-member Constitutional Review Commission. The commissioners were Tomasi Vakatora, a Fijian, and Brij Lal, an Indo- Fijian, with Sir Paul Reeves, a former Governor-General of New Zealand, as chairman.
The Great Council of Chiefs also approved the report presented by the Commission. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 1997 was passed by the House of Representatives on 3 July that year, and by the Senate. President Ratu Mara signed it into law and the third and present constitution took effect from 27 July.
It is interesting to note that the 1997 constitution was the only second national constitution to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation (Chapter 4, section 38). The first one was South Africa’s Constitution in 1996.
The present constitution was abrogated or removed by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who organised a counter-coup to neutralise a civilian coup d’état led by George Speight, and subsequently formed an Interim Military Government. A Supreme Court decision in November, however, reinstated the constitution, and new parliamentary elections under it were held in September 2001. There are 17 Chapters in our Constitution, which are comprised of Parts and Sections.
4 5 AN OUTLINE OF FIJI’S CONSTITUTION
The Constitution belongs to Fiji and its people. Use it, understand it, and make it work for you. The following summary of the Chapters had been adapted from the information booklet distributed and published by the Citizen’ Constitutional Forum (CCF), “Your Constitution Your Rights”.
THE PREAMBLE The Preamble explains the historical, cultural and political reasons for making the 1997 Constitution. It recognises the contribution of the indigenous Fijians and Rotumans, as well as the other ethnic groups to the development of Fiji and emphasises the shared beliefs and values of our multi-racial society.
CHAPTER 1 - THE STATE This chapter defines the Republic of the Fiji Islands as a sovereign, democratic state, declares the supremacy of the Constitution. In this Chapter it mentions the official languages.The Chapter also acknowledges that good government and leadership in Fiji is inspired by our belief(s) in God.
CHAPTER 2 - COMPACT The Compact is an agreement between the peoples of Fiji and their government. It lays down the basic principles upon which the entire Constitution is based. It strengthens the protection of the rights of all individuals, communities and groups in Fiji. At the same time it emphasises the importance of the interests of the Fijian and Rotuman people. All laws set in other parts of the Constitution must take account of these principles.
CHAPTER 3 - CITIZENSHIP In this chapter it states who is or who can become a citizen of Fiji, how you can lose your citizenship, and what powers the Parliament has determining citizenship.
CHAPTER 4 - BILL OF RIGHTS This chapter details your basic human rights and how they are protected by the Constitution. It is important since the state must guarantee that everyone’s rights are protected in Fiji, no matter what their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, income, age or disability.
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Its purpose is to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, and sometimes groups from ‘unnecessary interference by the state or government.
The only time our rights can be limited is when a “state of an emergency” is declared and decrees are put in place if there is threat to national stability.
CHAPTER 5 - SOCIAL JUSTICE This chapter requires the government to put in place policies and programmes that will bring about economic and social equality among all the peoples of the country.
CHAPTER 6 - THE PARLIAMENT There are five parts of this Chapter. The first part describes the process of law making. The second provides details about the composition of, and elections to the House of Representatives. The third part is about the Senate and the fourth part describes the procedures for the conduct of business in both Houses of Parliament. The final part outlines the roles and duties of the various institutions and offices linked to the Parliament.
CHAPTER 7 - EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT This chapter is also divided into five parts describing the make-up and duties of the executive branch of government. Part one establishes the executive authority. Part two establishes the offices of the President and theV ice-President, and specifies the procedures for their appointment and removal. Part three describes the composition and functions of the Cabinet of ministers. Part four describes the offices through which the government carries out its responsibilities, including those that deal directly with administering and enforcing the law, such as the police and the army. Part five lays out the circumstances under which the President may grant pardon to a convicted person and the procedure for doing so.
CHAPTER 8 - BOSE LEVU VAKATURAGA (GREAT COUNCIL OF CHIEFS) The Constitution recognises the Boselevu Vakaturaga (BLV) as established by the Fijian Affairs Act. Its membership, role and operating procedures are specified in thatA ct.
CHAPTER 9 - JUDICIARY This chapter is about the legal system and how the courts work, the powers of judges and how they are selected.
6 7 CHAPTER 10 STATE SERVICES This chapter clarifies the organisation, functions and powers of the public service, police and the military.
CHAPTER 11 - ACCOUNTABILITY This chapter sets out ethical guidelines on the use of public power and the functions of certain offices like those of the Ombudsman and the Auditor General, and describes the Freedom of Information legislation.
CHAPTER 12. - REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE This chapter is about how government monies are raised and how tax revenues are to be properly spent and accounted for. This is to stop the abuse of office and that officers are to be honest and accountable.
CHAPTER 13 - GROUP RIGHTS This chapter describes the safeguards to group rights in relation to Fijian, Rotuman, and Banaban laws. It also guides Parliament to make provision for the application of traditional customary law.
CHAPTER 14 - EMERGENCY POWERS This chapter gives details about when a state of emergency can be declared and by whom. A state of emergency is declared when there are civil riots around the country, there is a natural disaster or a large rise in violent crimes which threatens the security of the country.
CHAPTER 15 - AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION The Chapter states ways the Constitution can be changed. The proposal to change is read as a Bill in the two Houses of Parliament. Once the Bill has been passed after 3 readings over a period of time, then it becomes part of the Constitution and is known as an Act.
CHAPTER 16 - COMMENCEMENT, INTERPRETATION AND REPEALS This chapter describes when this Constitution came into effect (27 July, 1998) and defines some of the terms that are used in the Constitution. It also repeals the 1990 Constitution, while maintaining some of the Acts contained in it, and some of the previously passed laws. In this Chapter it provides the format of oaths and affirmations to give allegiance to Fiji, the oath and affirmation for the execution of Office of President andV ice- President and Office of Minister.
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A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Chapter 4 of the Constitution contains the Bill of Rights, that sets out our basic rights as individuals, whatever our race, ethnicity, colour, place of origin, gender, sexual orientation, birth, mother tongue, economic status, age or disability. These rights have been made clear in our Constitution, we can, individually or collectively, deal with state excesses or breaches of our rights by seeking redress in the Courts.
The Bill of Rights is based on the idea that the powers of the government are limited by the Constitution. Its purpose is to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, and sometimes groups, from ‘unnecessary interference by the state.
This means that any action or policy that goes against our human rights can be taken to court and also reported to the Human Rights Commission of Fiji.
However, these rights can be changed, restricted or even taken away. This can only be done if:
• the law which limits a right applies to everybody and not just one person or group; • there is a very good and objective reason to restrict their rights; and • limiting their rights makes sense in an open and democratic country.
Some rights can also be suspended or taken away for a short time during a “state of emergency”. It can only be declared by government when the security of the country is threatened in circumstances as the law prescribes (such as a war, invasion, or revolution, or when there has been a natural disaster).
But some rights, like the right to life, and some of the rights of arrested, detained or charged people, cannot be suspended or taken away, even during a state of emergency.
8 9 INSIDE THE BILL OF RIGHTS
The following rights are declared in the Bill of Rights. Though you have right you must also remember to act responsibly and respect the rights of those around you.
LIFE No one has the right to take away your life.
PERSONAL LIBERTY Your freedom is your right, unless it is limited by the law.
FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY AND FORCED LABOUR Your labour is yours to give or sell, but you must not be forced to work or be held in servitude.
FREEDOM FROM CRUEL AND DEGRADING TREATMENT • You have the right not to be treated cruelly or in a degrading manner. • You have the right to refuse any medical or scientific treatment or experimentation.
FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCHES AND SEIZURE You cannot be searched or have your home or possessions searched or seized without good reason.
RIGHTS OF ARRESTED OR DETAINED PERSONS If you are arrested or detained and accused of committing a crime you have the following rights:
• To be promptly informed - in a language that you understand - of the reasons for you being held. • To be given a lawyer - paid for by the government and referred to the Legal Aid Commission if you cannot afford one and the Court believes that you will not have a fair trial without legal assistance, especially for very complicated or serious charges. • To speak to and be visited by your husband, wife or partner or other member of your family, or a religious counsellor.
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• To challenge the lawfulness of your detention before a court of law. • To be treated with respect and dignity. • To remain silent if you wish and to be informed of this light. • To be held no longer than 48 hours without charge. • To be released on bail, unless there is a good reason to keep you in detention. • To be kept apart from convicted persons if you are detained pending trial. • Your family must be promptly informed of your arrest or detention. A child who is detained must be kept apart from adults unless that is not in the child’s best interest.
RIGHTS OF PERSONS CHARGED WITH COMMITTING A CRIME This section sets out the rights of people who have been charged with committing a crime. You have the following rights:
• To be presumed innocent until proven guilty; • To have a fair trial before a court of law; • To be given details of the reasons for the charge in writing and in a language you understand; • To be given enough time to prepare your defence; • To defend yourself or be represented by a lawyer; • Unlawfully obtained evidence cannot be used against you; • You don’t have to act as a witness against yourself; • You are entitled to a copy of the court proceedings; • The trial must not take place in your absence - (unless you have chosen not to attend); • You cannot be charged with doing something or leaving something undone if that itself was not a crime at the time; • You cannot be tried twice for the same crime; and • You can appeal to a higher court - if you have been found guilty.
10 11 ACCESS TO COURTS OR TRIBUNALS If you have a legal problem, you have the right to have it decided fairly before a court of law or an independent tribunal within a reasonable time. Courts and tribunals must be open to the public, unless Parliament decides otherwise. You have the right to give evidence, be questioned, and follow the whole proceedings in a language you understand (and you have the right to an interpreter). The court must treat child witnesses in a manner which respects their age.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION You can say or write or express whatever you want, and the media can too, but sometimes there may be reasonable legal limitations. These limitations are meant to protect everyone’s privacy, dignity, reputations, and maintain the independence of the courts and the public service.
You have the right to be free from hate speech. Hate speech is spoken or written language (or sometimes an action) which hurts people or tries to get people to cause harm to other people because of their ethnicity, gender, disability beliefs or religion. If you have been injured by inaccurate or offensive media reports, you have the right to have a correction published or take legal action.
FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY You have the right to meet or demonstrate with others peacefully, unless restricted by law.
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION You can associate with whomever you wish, unless specifically limited by law.
WORKERS’ AND EMPLOYERS’ RIGHTS As a worker, you have the right to fair labour practices, including humane treatment and proper working conditions. You have the right to form and join a trade union. As an employer, you have the right to form and join an employer’s organisation. Trade unions and employers’ organisations have a right to collective bargaining. These rights may be limited by Parliament.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT • You can go or live wherever you want in Fiji and leave the country when you choose. • Every Fiji citizen can get a passport. • Every non-citizen legally in Fiji has the right not to be expelled.
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There are certain legal limitations on this freedom. You may be legally detained (to appear in court, or if you are convicted of a crime, or to protect another person from violence). Your right to be on land owned or occupied by others may be limited by laws including those intended to protect the ecology, economy or distinctive culture of the place.
However you can challenge this limitation of your freedom of movement by writing to the Judicial Service Commission.
FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND BELIEF You have the right to believe whatever you want and follow whatever religion you choose. You can practice your religion in private, as well as in public. Any religious body can spread its religion through education, but this freedom may be limited to protect the rights and freedoms of other people. You cannot be forced to participate in a religious function. You cannot be forced to make an oath in a religion that you do not believe in.
RIGHT TO A SECRET BALLOT You have the right to cast your vote for your Member of Parliament in secret.
RIGHT TO PRIVACY You have the right to privacy in your personal life, and no one is allowed to open your mail or listen to your telephone calls, unless specifically authorised by law.
EQUALITY Everyone has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.Y ou cannot be discriminated against because of your race, ethnicity, colour, where you come from, gender, sexual orientation, birth, mother tongue, economic status, age, disability, beliefs or opinions, as long as these opinions and beliefs do not harm others or their rights and freedoms.
You have the right to enter shops, hotels, lodges, restaurants and places of public entertainment like cinemas, public transport, taxis and other public places. The proprietors of these places must facilitate your access, if you have a disability, to the extent prescribed by law.
12 13 RIGHT TO EDUCATION Every person has the right to a basic education. Any group can set up and run an educational institution with its own special character. All educational institutions must be open to all qualified students, but schools may sometimes deny admission on the basis of their special character.
PROPERTY RIGHTS Your property can only be taken away from you by the government only if it is going to be used for a public purpose (for example to build roads), and you should be fairly compensated for it.
ENFORCEMENT You can complain to the High Court if you feel that your rights have been violated in any way.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION The Constitution establishes a Human Rights Commission. Its function is to educate you about the Bill of Rights - what it contains, means and where it comes from - and the various international laws and institutions that protect your human rights.
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THE GOVERNMENT
The government is made up of people who are elected into power and have the authority to govern our country. But they must always keep in mind all those people they are looking after and to help them in the best way to improve the economy and standard of living.
The government should treat everyone fairly and their policies should be based on the best interest of the nation and all those who call Fiji home.
Good governance must prevail, that is they are honest, accountable, transparent and fair.
There are four levels of government which are:
1. Executive government, 2. Legislative government, 3. Judicial government, and 4. Local government.
1. EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT The President and Vice-President, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the whole public service make up the Executive branch of government.
EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY The “executive authority” of Fiji is vested in the President. The President is the Head of State and also the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces. The President and the Vice- President are appointed (and removed) by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga after consultation with the Prime Minister.
They can hold office for a maximum of two five year terms. TheV ice- President performs the functions of the President in the President’s absence from duty. The Parliament is responsible for making laws relating to their appointments, terms and conditions of office, including pension entitlements and the procedures for their removal from office.
In exercising his or her (executive) authority, the President can only act on the advice of the Cabinet. However, there are certain circumstances outlined in the Constitution in which the President may act independently on his or her own judgement.
14 15 THE CABINET The Cabinet is made up of the Prime Minister and other Ministers, including the Attorney General. It is collectively responsible to the House of Representatives for the governance of the state, and each Minister is responsible for all things done in his or her Ministry. The President appoints and dismisses the Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. A person can only be appointed a Minister if he or she is a member of either the House of Representatives or the Senate.
The Constitution directs the Prime Minister to establish a multi-party Cabinet to be made up of the number of Ministers that the Prime Minister considers appropriate. The Prime Minister MUST invite all parties with more than seven members (10%) elected to the House of Representatives to form the Cabinet. This is an arrangement for power sharing between all the main political parties. The Prime Minister may invite parties with less than 10% of the seats in the House of Representatives into the Cabinet if he or she wishes. Then, the entitlement of the Prime Minister’s party is reduced by the number of seats the smaller parties hold in Cabinet.
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HIERACHY PYRAMID OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
Note: The Great Council of Chiefs is known as the “ Bose Levu Ni Turaga.”
2. LEGISLATIVE GOVERNMENT As you know the new parliamentary complex is in Veiuto, Suva. Under the Constitution of Fiji, the legislative authority has the power to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of Fiji, which is vested in Parliament. Parliament is made up of two houses, the House of Representatives (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House).
The Fiji Islands’ Parliament dates from 10 October 1970, when Fiji became independent from the United Kingdom. The Parliament replaced the former colonial legislative body, the Legislative Council, which had existed in various forms throughout the entire colonial period. A grandfather clause in the 1970 Constitution, which was adopted on independence, provided for the old Legislative Council to be renamed as the House of Representatives and remain in office, pending the first post-independence elections in 1972.
Since independence, Parliamentary rule has been disrupted three times. The first interruption was from 1987 through 1992, due to two coups d’état led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. The second interruption was in 2000, when a civil coup attempted by George Speight rendered the parliamentary system unworkable and resulted in Parliament being suspended. A general election in 2001 restored the democratic system. And the third being in 2006 when Commodore Frank Bainimarama overthrew the Laisenia Qarase led government.
The composition of Parliament has changed over the years. From 1972 to 1987, there were 52 Representatives and 22 Senators. In 1992, Parliament was enlarged to 70 Representatives and 34 Senators, figures marginally adjusted in 1999 to provide for 71 Representatives and 32 Senators.
16 17 The House of Representatives has 71 members. 25 of these are elected by universal suffrage. The remaining 46 are reserved for Fiji’s ethnic communities and are elected from communal electoral rolls: 23 Fijians, 19 Indo-Fijians, 1 Rotuman, and 3 “General electors” (Europeans, Chinese, and other minorities).
The upper chamber of the parliament, the Senate, has 32 members, formally appointed by the President on the nomination of the Great Council of Chiefs (14), the Prime Minister (9), the Leader of the Opposition (8), and the Rotuman Islands Council (1).
The Senate is less powerful than the House of Representatives; the Senate may not initiate legislation, but it may reject or amend it.
The Senate’s powers over financial bills are more restricted: it may veto them in their entirety, but may not amend them. The House of Representatives may override a Senatorial veto by passing the bill a second time in the parliamentary session immediately following the one in which it was rejected by the Senate, after a minimum period of six months. Amendments to the Constitution are excepted: the veto of the Senate is absolute. Following the passage of a bill by the House of Representatives, the Senate has 21 days (7 days in the case of a bill classified as “urgent”) to approve, amend, or reject it; if at the expiry of that period the Senate has done nothing about it, it is deemed to have passed the bill.
An anomally that has arisen, as a result of the new parliament building having only one debating chamber, is that the Senate and House of Representatives use the same chamber at different times.
The following diagram shows the procedures which a bill is read and passed in the Houses of Parliament. You must note that the Bill is to go through 3 readings and a committee set up in order to vote on it and have it set as law.
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PASSING OF THE FAMILY LAW BILL IN PARLIAMENT IN 2003
Bill Gazettes 30 days before the First Reading and Members to recieve the Bill 21 Note: days prior to First Reading in 1996. On passage of 2nd reading, the Bill moves to the third reading. When it is First Reading returned to the House Introduction of the Family Law after the Committtee Bill for review the Bill is read Clause by Clause House and amendments is allowed to be made Second Reading during the reading of where debate and elaboration of the Family the clause. Law Bill takes place.
Committee (Chaired by PS Vote Justice) Bills are referred to the Sector Third Reading Committees. Where debate and elaboration of the Bill takes place. This is to argue on the setting up of a Family Law Court & Counselling facilities (which are ‘new structures’ in place to solve disputes.
Report Stage
Solicitro General sends message to Senate Gazetting informing the House of the Bill passed with/ The Law is placed in without amendments. the Gazette as an Act. December 2005 Act came into force Senate once new structures Goes through the same process as the are in place. House of Representatives but without the Sector Comm.
Presudential Assent Printed (6 December, 2003)
Speaker of the House of Representatives The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Fijian House of Representatives. At its first session following a general election, the House of Representatives elects a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker. With a view to ensuring impartiality, the Speaker is not allowed to be a member of the House, though he must qualify for membership. The Deputy Speaker, however, is elected from among members of the House. The office of Speaker is an essential feature of the parliamentary system, and has proved to be the most durable of all the Westminster parliamentary traditions.
18 19 The table shows persons who have held the office of Speaker
Speaker of the House of Representatives Order Speaker Term of Office 1. R.D. Patel 1972 - 1976 2. Sir Vijay R. Singh 1976 - 1977 3. Mosese Qionibaravi 1977 - 1982 4. Tomasi Vakatora 1982 - 1987 5. Militoni Leweniqila 1987 vacant 1987 - 1992 6. Dr Apenisa Kurisaqila 1992 - 2000 7. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau 2001 - 2006 8. Pita Nacuva 2006
SENATE The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. It is the less powerful of the two chambers; it may not initiate legislation, but may amend or veto it. The Senate’s powers over financial bills are more restricted: it may veto them in their entirety, but may not amend them. The House of Representatives may override a Senatorial veto by passing the bill a second time in the parliamentary session immediately following the one in which it was rejected by the Senate, after a minimum period of six months.
Amendments to the Constitution are excepted: the veto of the Senate is absolute. Following the passage of a bill by the House of Representatives, the Senate has 21 days (7 days in the case of a bill classified as “urgent”) to approve, amend, or reject it; if at the expiry of that period the Senate has done nothing about it, it is deemed to have passed the bill.
Composition of the Senate The Senate has 32 members. Formally, they are appointed by the President. Constitutionally, however, the President is required to accept the nominees of specified institutions. 14 Senators are chosen by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs), though in practice it has chosen to delegate this prerogative to Fiji’s 14 Provincial Councils, each choosing one Senator. A further 9 Senators are chosen by the Prime Minister and 8 Senators by the Leader of the Opposition. The one remaining Senator is selected by the Council of Rotuma.
From among their own members, the Senators elect a President and Vice- President, whose roles are similar to those of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively.
The built-in near-majority of Fijian chiefs in the Senate gives them an effective veto over contentious social legislation, as well as constitutional amendments, provided they vote as a block, as they will almost certainly be joined by enough other senators to muster a majority. In addition, any changes to clauses of the constitution guaranteeing indigenous Fijian ownership
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and control of most of the land must be approved by 9 of the 14 Senators chosen by the Great Council of Chiefs, as well as by a majority in the Senate as a whole. Senators, like their fellow-parliamentarians from the House of Representatives, may be appointed to the Cabinet - the executive arm of government.
SENATE COMPOSITION
Council of Rotuma selects 1 GCC chooses 14 members who senator represent each Province
Senate 32 Members
Leader of the Opposition chooses Prime Minister appoints 9 8 members of the Senate Senators
The Fiji Islands’ Senate in 2006 comprised the following persons:
Senators nominated by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga -Province Ratu Solomone Bauserau Naitasiri Isaia Gonewai Nadroga/ Navosa Atunaisa Kaloumairai Lomaiviti Ratu Aisea Katonivere Macuata Atonio Leawere Serua Ratu Kinijoji R. Maivalili Cakaudrove (President of Senate) Adi Laufitu Malani ra Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau Lau Eminoni Ranacovu Tailevu Ratu Manoa Rasigatale Rewa Asesela Sadole Ba Matareti Sarasau Kadavu Ratu Kiniviliame Taukeinikoro Namosi Ratu Kinijioji Vakawaletabua Bua
20 21 Senators nominated by the Prime Minister Tupeni Baba Qoriniasi Bale Ratu Jone Bouwalu Adi Samanunu Cakobau-Talakuli Hafiz Khan (V ice President of Senate) Dixon Seeto Kaliopate Tavola Ratu Jekesoni Yavalanavanua Adi Lagamu Vuiyasawa
Senators nominated by the Leader of the Opposition Gaffar Ahmed Jokapeci Talei Koroi Vijay Nair Lavinia Padarath Bijay Prasad Tom Ricketts Sachida Nand Sharma ChandraSingh
Nominated by the Council of Rotuma John Fatiaki
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THE MACE OF THE SENATE
The Mace of the Senate is a war club used by Ratu Seru Cakobau. It was acquired during fighting with the hill tribes in 1874. It is a root stock club called “na waka”.This mace is 111 centimetres long, including a 19 centimetres long head. The shaft tapers to a diameter of 4 centimetres. It is of dark reddish-brown wood, with a decorative binding of plaited sennit below the head and the end of the shaft. The mace was presented to the Senate in 1974 by the New Zealand High Commission to Fiji H. E. Sir John Te Grace.
The Mace represents the authority of the President of the Senate in the Senate and is borne before him when entering and leaving the Chamber.
The Mace of the Senate
House of Representatives The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Fiji’s Parliament. It is the more powerful of the two chambers; it alone has the power to introduce new legislation (the Senate, by contrast, can amend or veto most legislation, but cannot initiate it). The House of Representatives also has much greater jurisdiction over financial bills; the Senate cannot amend them, although it may veto them. Except, in the case of amendments to the Constitution, over which a veto of the Senate is absolute, the House of Representatives may override a Senatorial veto by passing the same bill a second time, in the parliamentary session immediately following the one in which it was rejected by the Senate, after a minimum period of six months.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet must retain the confidence of a majority of the House of Representatives in order to remain in office.
22 23 The Lower Chamber in session
The Leader of the Opposition The 1997 Constitution states that the Leader of the Opposition will be appointed by the President and if it is the opinion of the President that this appointment is acceptable to the majority of the members of the opposition party or parties in the House. In the Order of Precedence, the Leader of the Opposition ranks after Cabinet Ministers, ahead of Ministers of State.
Leader of the House In broad terms, the Leader of the House is responsible for the arrangement and management of government business in the House of Representatives. In respect of the daily business of the House, it is his responsibility, in consultation, as necessary, with the Prime Minister and other Ministers, and the Opposition, to determine the order in which the items of government business will be dealt with, and to ensure that, as far as practicable, the passage of government business is not unduly delayed or disrupted. The majority of formal or general procedural motions are moved on behalf of the Government and the House by the Leader of the House. The Leader of the House works closely with the Whips and consults with them regarding the selection of speakers during debates.
Whips Party Whips are the persons responsible for the management of the affairs of their parties during meetings and sittings of the House.
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The Parliament House of Fiji
3. JUDICIAL GOVERNMENT The judicial power of the State is controlled by the various courts - the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and other courts created by law. The Courts are independent of the legislative and executive branches of government.
They are subject only to the Constitution and the law, which they must apply without any bias, favour or prejudice. The highest court is the Supreme Court.
High Court The High Court of Fiji is one of three courts established by Chapter 9 of the Constitution, the others being the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The Constitution empowers Parliament to create other courts; these are subordinate to the High Court, which is authorised to oversee all proceedings of such courts. The High Court has unlimited original jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law and such other original jurisdiction as is conferred on it under the Constitution.
The High Court consists of the Chief Justice and at least ten puisne judges. Parliament may also allow for junior judges, called Masters of the High Court, to sit on the High Court. Section 129 of the Constitution declares that “A judge who has sat in a trial of a matter that is the subject of appeal to a higher court must not sit in the appeal.” As the membership of the High Court overlaps to a large extent with that of the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, this clause is inserted to prevent any conflict of interest.
24 25 COURT OF APPEAL The Court of Appeal of Fiji is one of three courts set up by Chapter 9 of the Constitution, the others being the High Court and the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal was a new institution established when the 1997 Constitution came into effect; the other two courts predated it. The Constitution authorises the Court of Appeal “to hear and determine appeals” from all judgements of the High Court. From time to time, other powers may be assigned to this court by law.
The Court of Appeal is chaired by the President of the Court of Appeal. The Chief Justice is not permitted to hold this position; the Court of Appeal is the only court from which the Chief Justice is constitutionally barred from membership. This is to give the Court of Appeal a measure of independence from the other courts. Other members of the Court of Appeal are the puisne judges, at least ten in number (who also sit on the High Court), and persons specifically appointed as Justice ofA ppeal.
SUPREME COURT The Supreme Court of Fiji is one of three courts established by Chapter 9 of the Constitution, the others being the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court is declared to be “the final appellate court of the State” - in other words, there is no judicial authority higher than the Supreme Court. In this respect, the Supreme Court takes over the functions formerly performed by the British Privy Council before Fiji became a republic in 1987. The Constitution gives the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from all final judgements of the Court ofA ppeal.
Cases may not be brought before the Supreme Court by individuals; only the Court of Appeal may decide to refer a case to it, or the Supreme Court may, in its own judgement, decide to hear an appeal. This court has the power to review, vary, affirm, or discard decisions of the Court of Appeal, may order retrials, and may award costs to defendants and plaintiffs.
Decisions of the Supreme Court are binding on all subordinate courts. At its own discretion, the Supreme Court may review any judgement or decision that it has previously rendered. Section 123 authorises the President of Fiji, on the advice of the Cabinet, to ask the Supreme Court to rule on actual or potential disagreements pertaining to the Constitution. The Supreme Court is required to pronounce its opinion in open court.
The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice, who is also the President of the Supreme Court, all Justices of Appeal (who are also members of the Court of Appeal), and others specifically appointed as Supreme Court judges. The puisne judges, who sit on the High Court and the Court of Appeal, are not members of the Supreme Court. Again Section 129 is referred to of the Constitution. This clause is inserted to prevent a conflict of interest.
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The old parliament which now houses the judicial courts.
CHIEF JUSTICE The Chief Justice is Fiji’s highest judicial officer. He or she is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is required by the Constitution to consult the Leader of the Opposition. This does not give the Leader of the Opposition a veto, only the right to be consulted. The appointment is permanent, until the Chief Justice reaches the age of 70 years. At the discretion of the government, the retirement age may be waived until the Chief Justice reaches the age of 75 years; it may be extended once more, by a maximum of three years. No person, therefore, may hold the office of Chief Justice after reaching the age of 78.
According to Chapter 9 of the Fijian Constitution, The Chief Justice presides over both the Supreme Court and the High Court, but is disqualified from presiding over, or even sitting on, the Court of Appeal. As mentioned this stipulation is designed to give the Appeal Court a measure of independence from the other two courts.
These constitutional arrangements were temporarily overturned in 2000, following a counter- coup by Commodore Frank Bainimarama to neutralise a civilian coup d’état instigated by George Speight. Chief Justice Tuivaga recognised the Interim Military Government that took office and abrogated the Constitution on 29M ay, and drafted the controversial Administration of Justice Decree that was immediately promulgated by the military administration. This decree abolished the Supreme Court, made the Chief Justice head of the Appeal Court, and raised the retirement age of the Chief Justice from 70 years to 75. These changes were reversed following a decision by the High Court to reinstate the Constitution on 15 November 2000, a decision upheld by the Appeal Court on 1 March 2001.
26 27 Like other judges, the Chief Justice does not have to be a Fijian citizen. When Tuivaga retired in 2002, there were calls from the Citizens Constitutional Forum (a prodemocracy, human rights organisation) for a foreigner to be appointed, to recover the independence of the judiciary that had been seen to be politically compromised by the 2000 coup. The government disagreed, however, and appointed Daniel Fatiaki, who then was susupended after the overthrow of the elected government in 2006 by Commodore Frank Bainimarama. A new Chief Justice was appointed, Justice Anthony Gates
PUISNE JUDGES Puisne judges in Fiji sit on the High Court and the Court of Appeal, but not on the Supreme Court. According to Chapter 9 of the Fijian Constitution, there must be a minimum of ten puisne judges, who are appointed by the President on the nomination of the Judicial Service Commission, who must first consult the appropriate Cabinet Minister and the committee of the House of Representatives responsible for the administration of justice.
A puisne judge must be a qualified barrister or solicitor with a minimum of seven years’ experience in Fiji or another country prescribed by law, or one who holds or has held a high judicial position in Fiji or another country prescribed by Parliament. The judiciary is the only branch of government from which non-citizens are not excluded. This is in recognition that as a developing country, the government may deem it in the national interest to look abroad for judges with expertise in various aspects of the law.
Accordingly, judges from the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, among other countries, have sometimes served on Fiji’s courts. Puisne judges are appointed for terms between four and seven years, and are required to retire on the expiry of their term or at the age of 65, whichever event occurs sooner. The retirement age for puisne judges, unlike that of other judges, may not be waived. They are eligible, however, for subsequent appointment to other judicial positions, such as Justice of Appeal (including President of the Court of Appeal), Supreme Court justice, or Chief Justice. In addition, compulsory retirement at age 65 does not disqualify such a person from acting as a puisne judge on a temporary basis. Judges who are past retirement age may therefore be called out of retirement, from time to time, to temporarily fill vacancies or to act in the place of a judge who is absent or otherwise unable to perform his or her duties.
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THE THREE JUDICIAL COURTS
SUPREME COURT Highest judicial authority. Made up of Chief Justice and Supreme Court Judges.
COURT OF APPEAL Listens to and determines appeals. Does not include Chief Justice. Includes Puisine Judges.
HIGH COURT Hears and determines any civil or criminal proceedings Made up of Chief Justice and 10 Puisine Judges
4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Fiji is divided administratively into four divisions, which are:
1. Central Division 2. Western Division 3. Eastern Division 4. Northern Division
The map above of the Fiji Islands shows the four administrative divisions.
28 29 These four divisions are further sub- divided into fourteen provinces.
Each division is headed by a Commissioner, appointed by the Fijian government. The divisions are basically a collection of provinces and have few administrative functions of their own, but serve to foster co-operation among the member provinces for providing services.
Each province has a provincial council which may make by-laws and impose rates (local taxes), subject to the approval of the Fijian Affairs Board, (a government department).
The board must also approve the appointment of the Roko Tui, or executive head of the provincial council, who is usually a high chief, although in recent years qualified commoners have sometimes been chosen.
The provinces have direct input into national affairs through the Great Council of Chiefs and the Senate. The Great Council of Chiefs is a traditional body which advises the government on indigenous affairs and also functions as an electoral college to elect the President and Vice- President; 42 of the 55 members of the Great Council are chosen by the provincial councils, 3 from each province. In addition, 14 of the 32 members of the Senate, the upper house of the Fijian Parliament, are chosen by the provincial councils (one Senator each) and confirmed by the Great Council of Chiefs.
Additionally, the island of Rotuma, north of the main archipelago, has the status of a dependency. The government includes it in the Eastern Division for statistical purposes (such as the census), but administratively it enjoys a degree of internal autonomy and has its own council which is empowered to legislate on most local matters. Like a province, Rotuma chooses (through its council) 3 members of the Great Council of Chiefs and 1 Senator.
Below the provincial level are the districts and villages. They are based on extended family networks and have their own chiefs and councils. Indigenous Fijian administration is based on the koro, or village and the daily village activities are headed by a Turaga ni Koro (village headman) who is elected or appointed by the villagers. Several koro combine to form a Tikina (District), and two or more of which comprise a province or yavusa.
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The village lali (drum) hut. Often used to signal meetings, church or events in the village.
Municipal governments have been established for the cities of Suva and Lautoka, and for ten towns. Each has a city or town council elected for a three-year term, presided over by a Mayor chosen by the councillors from among their own members. Local authorities have also been established for rural areas. On 15 February 2006 the government announced legislation to change the local government term of office from three years to four.
30 31 DIVISIONS AND PROVINCES - STATISTICS
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN FIJI Fiji has established municipal governments have been established for two cities (Suva and Lautoka) and ten towns (Ba, Labasa, Lami, Levuka, Nadi, Nausori, Nasinu, Savusavu, Sigatoka, and Tavua). Each city or town has a council made up of between 8 and 20 members, elected for three-year terms, although the government announced
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legislation on 15 February 2006 to extend the term to four years. Each city or town council elects from among its own members a Mayor (or Lord Mayor in the case of Suva) for one year. Consecutive terms are permitted.
THE ELECTIONS AND VOTING
The constitutional review in 1997 introduced a new system, with 71 members. Twenty- five (25) are elected from Open constituencies meaning that it is open to all locally resident Fijian citizens, irrespective of their ethnic background), with the remaining 46 elected from communal constituencies, with 23 seats reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19 for Indo-Fijians, 1 for Rotuman Islanders, and 3 for “General Electors” - Europeans, Chinese, Banaban Islanders, and other minorities. Every Fiji Island citizen is allowed to vote twice - one for an open electorate, and one for a communal electorate.
The election of members is done under a preferential voting system. The system is called the “Alternative Vote” and is used in Australia in its House of Representatives and also in Nauru and Papua New Guinea in a modified form. Ever since the Fiji Islands gained independence in 1970 from Great Britain, Fiji always used the simple majority voting system of “First Past the Post.” In the electoral provisions the newly-elected members to the new House of Representatives are to come from single-member constituencies.
This means that as there are 71 single-member constituencies, there are 71 seats in the House of Representatives.The 71 seats comprise as follows in comparison to the composition of the previous House of Representatives.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
All 71 seats are to be contested in the 2006 election. The newly-elected members generally serve a full-term of 5 years before the next election. Most part of the information had been adapted from the Elections Office Website.
32 33 THE ALTERNATIVE VOTE
Under the Alternate Vote system you vote by showing your preferences. This means putting each candidate in order - from the candidate who you most want to win as your 1st choice, to the candidate who you least want to win as your last choice.
You vote in this same way for both your communal seat constituency and your open seat constituency. It is important to understand how this system works so that you know how your vote will be counted.
Under the Alternative Vote system a candidate only wins when he or she has got more than half of all the votes in that constituency. In the first round of counting all of the 1st preference (1st choice) votes are counted. If one candidate has more than half of all the 1st preference votes (i.e. if he or she is the first choice candidate of more than half of the voters) - then he or she is declared the winner straight away.
If no candidate gets more than half of the 1st preference votes, the least popular candidate, the one with the fewest 1st preference votes, is eliminated. This candidate’s ballot papers are then looked at again, and his or her votes are transferred to the candidates who are marked as the 2nd preference on each of these ballot papers. All of the votes are then counted again to see if any candidate, now have enough to win.
If there is still no winner, then the candidate who now has the fewest votes is eliminated, and his or her votes are transferred to whichever candidate is next in the order of each voter’s preferences. This process of eliminating one candidate and transferring their votes is repeated until one candidate has more than half of all the votes and wins.
This means that the order in which you choose to put the candidates is very important. Even if your 1st choice candidate loses, how you have listed your other preferences can still decide who wins.
How the constituencies are divided There are 6 urban Fijian communal constituencies of which each have about the same number of voters. Another 11 Fijian constituencies follow the provincial boundaries, while the provinces of Ba, Tailevu and Cakaudrove are divided into 2 constituencies each.
Both the Indian and General Voter communal constituencies have been drawn up so that each has roughly an equal number of votes from that particular community. The Rotuman communal constituency covers the whole of Fiji. The 25 open seat constituencies have been drawn up in such a way that each has roughly the same number of voters, and each has a good proportion of people from the different ethnic communities.
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HOW THE VOTES ARE COUNTED
The count process for a preferential voting system takes considerably longer than in previous elections under the first past the post system. There are a number of very good reasons for this.
First, because of the greater complexity of a preferential vote count, the count is separated into distinct stages.
These stages are: • the verification of ballot papers, • the sorting of ballot papers according to party and candidate, • the first preference count, and • the distribution of preferences.
The Elections Office has introduced rigorous checks and balances at each stage of the count to ensure complete accuracy.
Secondly, the ballot papers are required to be counted and checked for validity at least five times in the verification, sorting, and first preference counting stages. Furthermore, if a distribution of preferences is conducted, ballot papers may be handled eight or nine times as they proceed through the count, taking into account the preferences of each voter.
Finally, counting must take place in an open and transparent manner, in the presence of count agents. These agents will need to be satisfied with the counting of each ballot paper (they now have to observe the numbers on the ballot paper as well as the ticks) and this will also take time.
Due to these factors, four days are usually set aside for the completion of the count.
34 35 HOW TO VOTE
Fiji is to hold a general election at least once every five years under the electoral system called the Alternative Vote. This is a preferential system of voting where a voter ranks each candidate, giving the number ‘1’ to the 1st choice candidate, ‘2’ to the 2nd choice candidate, ‘3’ to the 3rd choice candidate, ‘4’ to the 4th choice candidate, ‘5’ to the 5th choice candidate and so on. You will find here, a few questions and answers about filling out your ballot papers under the Alternative Vote.
1. How many ballot papers will I receive ? You will receive two. One will be for an open seat and the other for a communal seat.
2. How do I fill in my ballot papers ? You are most likely to receive ballot papers that look like the one to the right.
This ballot paper has two sections. You can either:
1. Vote in the top section by putting a tick in one (and only one) of the boxes beside the symbol of the party or independent candidate of your choice. You must leave all the other boxes blank.
OR
2. You can vote in the lower section. If you vote in the lower section, clearly write:
• the number ‘1’ in the box beside the symbol of the candidate who is your first choice. • the number ‘2’ in the box beside your second choice.
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• the number ‘3’ in the box beside your third choice, and so on until you have numbered every box in this section. • Take care not to repeat or miss out numbers. • Every box in this section must be numbered. • Do not use ticks or crosses in this lower section.
Remember for this ballot paper either put a tick in the top section or number all the boxes in the lower section.
3. Is it possible to receive a ballot paper that is different from the above?
Yes. That ballot paper will look like the one below:
If none of the candidates for a constituency registers a list of preferences with the Supervisor of Elections, you would receive this particular ballot paper.
36 37 You vote in the same way as you do for the lower section of the ballot paper in 2. Remember that you clearly write:
• the number ‘1’ in the box beside the symbol of the candidate who is your first choice. • the number ‘2’ in the box beside your second choice. • the number ‘3’ in the box beside your third choice, and so on until you have numbered every box. Again, take care not to repeat or miss out numbers. For this ballot paper remember, every box must be numbered. Do not use ticks or crosses.
4. What can I do if I make a mistake when filing in my ballot paper? If you make a mistake when filling out your ballot paper, you can return it to a polling official and ask for another one.
5. What if I need assistance to fill in my ballot paper? Voters who can’t read or write, or who are disabled, or need help for any other reason may arrange with the officer in charge of the polling station for polling officials to assist them in the filling out of ballot papers.
6. What will happen if I don’t register or vote? If you do not register or vote in a general election without a good reason, you may be penalised as follows:
If you do not register: a. Failure to register - $50 fine. you may be fined $50 by a court if you are found guilty of failing to register yourself on the Electoral Roll without a reasonable excuse.
b. If you have been convicted of failing to register, you should apply for registration within 30 days. If you don’t do that, then you could be taken to court again and fined up to $500 or be imprisoned for 1 month.
If you do not vote: a. Failure to vote - $20 penalty. This penalty is paid to the Supervisor of Elections if you don’t have a valid and sufficient reason for not voting.
b. If you refuse to pay the penalty of $20, you may be taken to court. Upon conviction you may have to pay a fine of $200 and face possible imprisonment of 1 month.
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7. Where Can I Get More Information? If you have any questions at all regarding registration and voting, call the Elections Office Helpline at 112277.
Where your vote goes. If your ballot paper was filled correctly it will:
EITHER If you place a tick in a box in this top section, your preferences or choices will be counted the way that party or candidate (of the symbol that you have chosen) has registered them with the Supervisor of Elections.
OR
You place numbers here. ‘1’ to your 1st choice, ‘2’ to your 2nd choice, ‘3’ to your 3rd choice and so on until you have numbered every box in this section. You are deciding for yourself all your choices. A possible (But less likely ballot paper).
You place numbers here. ‘1’ to your 1st choice, ‘2’ to your 2nd choice, ‘3’ to your 3rd choice, and so on until you have numbered every box. You are deciding for yourself all your choices.
38 39 SHORT EXERCISE
You know there are two ways you can vote, either ABOVE the LINE or BELOW the LINE. Work on the exercises using the sample ballot paper below each task.
1. You are voter who only wishes to vote for the party and not the candidate. Where do you place your vote?
2. Your party has two candidates running for election. You want to ensure they receive the best vote and gain the first and second count.
How would you place your vote?
MAKE IT COUNT. LEARN TO VOTE PROPERLY. ALSO ENSURE YOU ARE REGISTERED!!
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SUMMARY
We hope you were able to find the information in Section 1 useful.A s you have noticed there were three parts to this section. The first looked briefly at Fiji’s Constitution and emphasised on the Bill of Rights which is an important part of the Constitution, since it ensures the state does not interfere in our freedoms and rights unless national security is at risk.
The second part looked more closely to the make- up of government and the 4 different types of government that exist which are the executive government, legislative government, judicial government and local government. Always keep in mind that if all members of any government must uphold the law and to ensure all citizens are kept safe.
In the third part we looked briefly at Fiji’s voting and election system. Though it may seem quite complicated and difficult to follow it is important that we educate ourselves on the importance of voting and how to vote properly.
40 41 42 43 Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook SECTION 2:
RESOURCE ALLOCATION & PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING
INTRODUCTION
Every year the public looks forward to hearing what the government’s budget allocation is about and how it may address social issues like poverty, employment, rural development, education and crime. Most of the time, you will see that people will be disappointed in learning about rising tax rates and fearing for the future.
We know that in good governance practices resources are to be given out fairly. In the past a lot of money has gone into rural and agricultural development, such as the sugar industry which has been supported by government, but now the government will also have to look after the growing needs of those who are living in and moving to the cities and towns. This is seen with government also looking at resettling displaced sugar cane farmers and helping them set up farms in different parts of the country.
The purpose of this section is to introduce the idea of the economy and identify existing economic institutions, such as the banks and reserve bank. We will look at the budget process, so that you have an idea about the budget process and how you can relate to your own spending.
The government spends millions of dollars every year, which is decided through making a budget the year before. This requires a lot of thought, since the government of the day has to think about paying the civil servants, funding projects, assisting the poor and at the same time look at increasing the nations revenue.
In this section we will go through looking at: • Understanding the Economy; • The budget process and stages of development; and • Pro-poor / Participatory Budgets and Resource Allocation.
42 43 THE ECONOMY
What is an economy?
We have heard about how our economy is not doing well or how it is improving due to certain reasons. An economy in this case is “a set of human and social activities and institutions related to the production, distribution, exchange and consumption of goods and services of a country”.
The business companies, workers, investors, buyers and countries Fiji trades with, all create money for our economy.
Economics is a social science that studies how we and the government make choices and decisions to use the limited or little resources we have in the country. Economies can adjust or change giving some flexibility in the face of major trouble, which helps minimise loss of function when overwhelmed by rapid social or economic change. This was seen during the times of the coup and natural disasters like cyclones and flooding, the government along with the Reserve Bank put in measures to ensure the country’s economy is not affected, since the government has to pay the civil servants.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECONOMY OVER TIME
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Economic Sectors Economic Sectors can also be called “industries”. The types of industries we have will depend on the natural resources we have in Fiji such as land, forests, the sea, precious minerals and the people.
Fiji has many industries that contribute to the economy such as sugar, gold mining, tourism, agriculture, copra, fishing, garment and food processing. Since there are so many industries, to make it simple industries are grouped into four major types which are primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary.
THE FOUR MAJOR TYPES OF INDUSTRIES: A LOO K INTO THE FISHING INDUSTRY.
All these industries exist in Fiji and it is the primary and secondary industry that contribute to our economy since a lot of the raw materials and manufactured goods are exported overseas which creates revenue for the country and contributes to the Gross Domestic Product.
44 45 How our economy measured: The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) The monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period, though GDP is usually calculated on an annual basis. It includes all of private and public consumption, government outlays, investments and exports less imports that occur within a defined territory.
GDP = C + G + I + NX
Where: “C” is equal to all private consumption, or consumer spending, in a nation’s economy. “G” is the sum of government spending. “I” is the sum of all the country’s businesses spending on capital. “NX” is the nation’s total net exports, calculated as total exports minus total imports. (NX = Exports - Imports)
Investopedia says: GDP is commonly used as an indicator of the economic health of a country, as well as to gauge a country’s standard of living. Critics of using GDP as an economic measure say the statistic does not take into account the underground economy - transactions that, for whatever reason, are not reported to the government.
Others say that GDP is not intended to gauge material well-being, but serves as a measure of a nation’s productivity, which is unrelated.
THE BUDGET PROCESS AND STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT A budget generally refers to a list of all planned expenses and revenues. A budget is an important idea when trying to look at your income and then trying to seeing the best way to spend and save your income.
1) Personal or family budget A personal budget is among the most important concepts of personal finance. In a personal or family budget all sources of income (inflows) are identified and expenses (outflows) are planned with the intent of matching outflows to inflows (Making ends meet). There are a wide variety of personal budgeting methods and tools that can be used to help individuals and families with the budgeting process.
Also the level of planned finance available to a person, corporation or government, as set by a certain person.
Your main aim in making a budget is to ensure whatever you receive you are able to support your family. If you do not plan you may not spend you money wisely and end up not saving. 46 47 Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook
Now think how government budgets the revenue it earns from taxes and duty from imports and exports. Then from that the government has to allocate money to pay for the wages of civil servants and then make sure the roads, water pipes and electricity supply is maintained. There is a lot of money involved.
2) Government Budget The budget of a government is a summary or plan of the intended revenues and expenditures of that government. In Fiji the national budget is prepared by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and presented and read in Parliament by the Finance Minister and passed. The Parliament seldom makes changes to the budget.
The Government Budget Process and Stages of Development The budget process is different in different countries, depending on the political and economic environment, legislative and constitutional factors, and the capacities of the government. Often the basis on which the budget occurs and what it covers is outlined in a country’s constitution.
The level to which civil society has been able to influence decision making and the budget process is also a factor. The resources available to civil society to do this are therefore critical.
46 47 1. DRAFTING PHASE Collect budget proposals from Ministries and departments. committee set up to look at country’s revenue (earnings) and look at areas for spending and ways of creating revenue to support the economy.
4. AUDIT PHASE 2. LEGISLATIVE PHASE The Auditor General makes a The budget is presented to the Legislative report on their assessment of the parliament (upper and lower house) by the previous year’s budget. This is to executive government. It is usually read by ensure accountability the Minister of Finance. The Opposition are able to comment.
3. IMPLEMENTATION PHASE Once the budget is passed, the executive government is responsible for controlling and spending funds on public goods and services.
The diagram above illustrates the budget process
WHY THE BUDGET • The Budget determines how about 30% of Fiji’s resources are spent. • It funds services: health, education, social welfare, indigenous services, and infrastructure. • It collects taxes: income taxes, company tax, VAT, excises. • It affects the health of the economy: debt levels, managing debts and revenue.
PREPARING FOR THE BUDGET: THE NGO PERSPECTIVE You must keep in mind that NGOs are considered to be the watchdogs of government and try to lobby government to practise good governance which is to be transparent, accountable, effective and efficient, responsive, inclusive and equitable, and respect the rule of law.
NGOs can submit a proposal and seek assistance from government and also comment on the national budget. This includes:
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1. Identifying goals and priorities – that have a chance of success and focus on the 2. Budget. 3. Estimating cost and seek help if necessary. 4. Working with allies and supporters to develop proposals and to lobby for them. Preparing a submission. 5. Lobbying Ministers, Parliamentarians, Ministries before and after the related Ministry finalises its bids. But the NGOs can not carry out lobbying all alone. As a responsible and honest citizen of Fiji, you have the right to question the government of the day and support issues that you feel strongly for or against, which not only affect you but future generations. You will note government will assist in projects that are to do with current and pressing issues, such as HIV/ AIDS and rural projects.
PRO-POO R/ PARTICIPATORY BUDGET AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION
Analysing the budget • What do we want to find out? • State of the economy. • Overall spending, revenue and deficit. • Breakdown of spending. • Budget decisions and their effects.
What do we want to find out? 1. Budget decisions affecting your constituency. 2. Revenue and spending in areas of interest. 3. Who is affected by the Budget, and how? 4. The state of the economy. 5. How the Budget fits into the Government’s medium term plans.
The main elements of the Fiji Government Budget in 2004 Revenue Value Added Taxes (VAT) and exercises are the largest revenue source. These taxes affect low income earners more than high income earners.
48 49 Expenditure Public service salaries are a large component of expenditure. That is a reason for calls that government brings in reforms to cut-down on the civil service, and maintain the hardworking and efficient civil servants.
Budget outcome The Budget is in deficit because expenditure exceeds revenue. That means the country spent more than it earned.
Changes in Forecast Budget Outcomes from 2011 to 2015 The term ‘forecast’ is simply to do with what you expect in the future. So the following are expectations of the economy rather than what will really happen at the end of the year.
Expenditure will fall by 2.2% of GDP This is mainly due to lower public investment, not necessarily less spending on public service salaries or services. That means less spending on road maintenance, public facilities and so on.
Revenue will rise by 0.4% of GDP This is mainly due to more revenue from VAT and excises, not income tax.
The Budget deficit is forecast to reduce by 2.6% of GDP A “budget deficit” is when the government spends more than it earns. In 2003, the expected or forecasted budget deficit was meant to be 4.0% of GDP but it was 6.1% of GDP.
The reason for the higher deficit was due to CycloneA mi and the cancellation of the sale of the ship building yard that year.
Note: Forecasts are only predictions and the government of the day will face uncertain events which affect the budget.
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THE STATEGIC PLAN TARGETS
The Strategic Plan Targets look at the two areas that the government is to help improve which are the fiscal targets (to do with increasing earnings) and social targets (to do with improving the livelihoods of people).
Strategic development plan targets
Fiscal Targets (by 2005) Social Targets Reduce Government debt to less than 40% Reduce poverty by 5% per year. of GDP. Reduce Budget deficit to less than 3%. Increase youth employment, and boost training for youth by 5% per year. Keep revenue below 25% of GDP and cut Piped drinking water for rural areas income tax rate to 30%. Keep spending below 28% of GDP. Reduce urban squatters by 5% per year. Increase the % of spending on public Milestones for primary health care. investment to 30%. 90% school enrolment ratio. 50% more women to receive micro credit. 10% more trained teachers’ and a boost to special education teachers.
CONFLICTS in the strategic development plan (SDP) • The plan aims to boost economic growth, reduce Government debt, and reduce poverty and improve essential services. • Unless the economy grows strongly, there maybe problems between these objectives. • Because revenue is capped at 25% of GDP by 2005, the proposed reductions in Government debt can only come from higher growth or cuts in spending (in % to GDP). • Spending- at the time it was proposed to be held below 28% of GDP by 2005, with no more than 70% of spending being on-going spending on salaries and services (30% for investment). • The IMF estimates that to achieve these targets, ongoing spending has to fall by about 1% of GDP (about $450 million) per year.
50 51 SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO REDUCING DEFICITS
1. Reduce the size of the public service In 2004, $483 million was spent on salaries (40% of all spending), however a big cut would be needed to reach targets, but then government will need to increase private sector investments. This is so that those who are made redundant will be able to find work in the private sector.
2. Collect unpaid tax In 2002, the Government was owed $196 million in unpaid taxes and charges (29% of all operating budget revenue), 40% of this was unpaid income tax.
3. Broaden the revenue base An example, introducing a Capital Gains Tax and publicise the annual cost of tax expenditures (concessions).
4. Keep spending within the budget estimates At the end of 2002, the budget was overspent by about $50 million (4% of all spending). Now look at the breakdown on spending below in 2003 and 2004. You will notice a lot of money is being spent, but most of it would go into wages.
SO HOW CAN THE GOVERNMENT HELP YOU? It is important that when you seek government assistance you should always have a proposal for a project that will help your community. Such projects should try to make you less reliant on the government.
Even though the government is suppose to look after the welfare of its citizens it is still unable to help everyone, which is why we need to think of ways in becoming self- reliant, but that will need a bit of assistance and research.
The Ministry that now looks after development in rural areas is the Ministry of Fijian Affairs, Lands and Provincial Development. They allocate funds to help the rural dwellers in certain projects that should improve their standard of living.
SMALL GRANT SCHEME GUIDELINES (SGS) GENERAL The objective of the scheme is to uplift the general welfare and living standard of the people in rural Fiji through the provision of direct grant assistance towards the implementation of small and medium sized community based projects that promotes self reliance, community empowerment and supports the marginalised groups.
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GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING
1.1 Projects must be rural based and operative outside municipal boundaries. Preference would be given for projects from the outer islands or the interior of the main islands or generally from areas which have little or no sources of income.
1.2 Projects should be community based and owned (the concept of community ownership is vital) Community means a settlement, village, Yavusa, Mataqali, Tokatoka, other organisations within these communities such as registered youth and women’s organisations and registered cooperative societies. A nuclear family does not qualify under this definition.
1.3 Immediate community benefits must result in terms of improvement in income generation or employment creation, or generally in the quality of rural life.
1.4 Projects should have a local input of at least one-third of the total project cost in cash or in kind. Maximum community involvement, self help contribution and local resources utilisation should also be prerequisites for funding consideration. Applications from proven depressed areas with little or no source of cash income may be given special consideration.
1.5 Communities eligible for loans from any lending agency do not qualify for aid grants (i.e. those which own resources that could be used as collateral for loans).
1.6 Projects should fall into Governments overall development plans and should utilise the supervisory services of existing Government agencies.
1.7 Projects must be within the prescribed ceiling of aid stipulated by the donors for each project (Australia and Canada $50,000, Japan approximately $20,000) and within the guidelines stipulated by the donors.
1.8 Projects involving building for worship (churches, temples etc) are not eligible.
1.9 Proposals for land purchase are not eligible.
1.10 Projects should encourage the introduction and use of appropriate or relevant technology (note: the above criteria include common guidelines of all donors).
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CANADA
1. Community Halls are not considered. 2. Request for machinery are considered, but applicants will need to demonstrate they are capable of managing and covering costs for any long term recurrent needs for repair and maintenance etc. 3. Project owners need to be aware that they are expected to plan for and to work towards replacement of equipment or machinery they are given. 4. Projects should be distinct and finite within one fiscal year. 5. Projects should be susceptible to quick implementation and produce almost immediate results. 6. They should have direct benefits to local community especially women. 7. Preference is given to projects assisting the development/growth of local small scale industries.
AUSTRALIA 1. Fishing projects are not considered. 2. Long term staffing vehicles, attendance at overseas meetings and purchases outside Fiji are not eligible. 3. Any item which have recurrent cash implications are also ineligible unless it can be demonstrated that these long term costs can be covered by recipients. 4. Projects must be discrete one- off projects which can be completed within 12 months. 5. A broad range of activities may be funded however priority is given to activities that focus basic needs e.g. Water supply, health, housing and education.
JAPAN The Japanese Grassroots Grants Assistance Scheme has a very broad guideline as follows: • Projects may be qualified in so far as such projects are considered to contribute significantly to economic and social development, improvement of public welfare or other like objectives. • The Japan Embassy now prefers that their Embassy staff preview any suitable projects before these projects are formally submitted on the format that is officially recognised by them.
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• The Japan application must be accompanied with a copy of a map of the area and three quotations, in addition to other documentation that may be necessary.
CONDITIONS FOR PROJECT APPLICATIONS These comments relate directly to the application forms:
1. Proper and full details must be given on the appropriate application form. 2. The project background report must contain the technical performance if it has been in operation. Special attention should be given to past management and financial aspects. The statement should lead into the need for the current request.
3. The application will need to describe the target community and their environment. This description will provide details on the communities abilities and skills (either communally or individually) and traits (e.g. Do they have good leadership? Are they hard working? etc). Description of environment will identify availability of market structures, transportation, employment or income generating opportunities etc. These comments should be linked to the people’s ability to provide funds and assistance for themselves and the reasons why they cannot fund the project themselves. These comments should prove that the community needs to be or deserve to be assisted.
4. A certified feasibility report by the relevant technical authorities should be included.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED BY OTHER MINISTRIES
Other line ministries implement rural based programmes. However, the Ministry performs the following functions in relation to these programmes.
a. Needs Identification District Officers and other members of the District Development Committee could identify and bring up needs in consultation with the community. Any needs identified should in turn be discussed and approved at Divisional Development Committee level and then submitted to the relevant technical department or funding agency.
b. Co-ordination It is mostly the role of this Department to co-ordinate the people’s identified needs and efforts with the implementing Department or organisation and any funding agencies.
54 55 RURAL WATER SUPPLY (RWS)
Rural Water Supply (RWS) The Public Works Department’s (PWD), Rural Water Supply (RWS) Section implements projects which include one pipe serving 2 to 3 households. a. Assessments After identification, a request should be made to PWD for specification assessment and costing. Any schemes that are not assessed by PWD or does not comply with PWD specifications may not be liable for assistance by PWD. b. Funding The RWS section will provide two-third funding and the community must provide one-third of total cost for the implementation of a base project. Anything above basic needs has to be fully funded by the community. Responsibility for collecting the one- third community contribution rests with the community and assisted by the District Officer. PWD will only take full responsibility of the scheme once the community has paid in full their one-third contribution. Should PWD receive payment after two years from the date of the PWD assessment this will require a new assessment altogether, and any additional funding will need to be fulfilled. c. Implementation The normal waiting period after the community has fully paid their contribution before implementation is for 3 to 4 months. PWD will provide skilled workmen but the community should also provide labour support.
SOLAR WATER PUMPS, BOREHOLE, WATER SUPPLIES AND MAINTENANCE, REPAIR OF WATER PUMPS a. Solar Water Pumps The high costs of solar equipment often discourage implementation. However operational cost is minimal and the Ministry of Energy was promoting it for use since it posed less threat to the environment. b. Borehole Water System PWD and the Mineral Resources Department carried out ground work for boreholes and this has been co-shared with the Ministry of Regional Development.
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RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
a. Approved Activities The Department of Energy (DOE) has the authority for the National Rural Electrification Programme Co-ordination and funding. The activities undertaken include the following: • Connection to FEA network; • Diesel Scheme; • Solar Scheme; and • Connection to Government Power Station.
b. Applications Applications are lodged with District Officers who send them directly to DOE’s Rural Electrification Unit for processing but no money should be paid with the application.
c. Assessments On receipt of applications DOE projects as follows: • First priority will be given to schemes which will involve least cost per consumer; and • Those schemes serving bigger numbers of consumers are given higher preferences over those serving less people. For application for connections to FEA grid considerations is given to proximity with those closer to grid receiving high priority then others further away.
d. Project Design The design experts are available through established PWD and FEA, with a new pool at DOE.
e. Funding If DOE accepts an application, funding will then be allocated on a basis of 10% community contribution and 90% government contribution. The 90% government contribution entitles the applicants to the following: • House wiring where appropriate; • 2 x 18 Watts Fluorescent Lights; • 1 Power Point; and • Solar light schemes will get 2 x 11 Watts lights and 1 x 7 Watts light but no powerpoint.
56 57 f. Implementation This is presently under the control of PWD. g. Management Repairs and Maintenance after Implementation A grace period of three (3) years is allowed when Government will assist in maintenance and repairs before responsibility for the scheme is handed over to FEA or a community based centralised power system. During this period Government or more specifically the DOE is required to open a savings account in a bank of community’s choice. The community will be required to deposit $20.00 per month in the first and second year and $40.00 a month in the third year, before handing over the scheme to an identified local controlling authority. The Accountant DOE will be a trustee of this account and funds are not to be spent on any other project except for repair, maintenance and replacement of the electrification scheme. These structures are meant to initiate the system that each community will used to sustain the project or to replace it.
This standard operating procedure (SOP) lays down the department system to deal with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for small rural development projects for larger more complex projects a Terms of Reference (TOR) may need to be drawn up with assistance from Department of Environment. So what if you feel there is an unfair allocation of resources and that you feel your rights are not being met? It is your civic duty and right that you join a group and voice your concerns by lobbying the government or any organisation to practice good governance.
LOBBYING
You can be a Lobbyist!
Yes, quite possibly. It could be you! Perhaps it should be you. Let’s get our views right out on the table:
Lobbying has a bad image. Some of it is deserved. But lobbying is not necessarily something to avoid. Quite the opposite, lobbying can be a socially responsible thing to do. What is more, you have probably been a lobbyist before, in one form or another - even though you may not have used that label. And if you’ve never lobbied for a cause, maybe you ought to learn how; so that if and when the time is right you can be an effective lobbyist, in a way that is doable and ethical for you.
What do we mean by lobbying? By lobbying, we mean persuading someone with more decision-making power than you, in a particular situation, to take a course of action that you support. “Lobbying” is a broad term.
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The people you lobby, the decision-makers can vary widely. Much (though not all) lobbying is political, and involves persuading political decisionmakers. On a local level, this could mean a member of the town council, or the head of the zoning board, or the director of the library. It could also be a state representative, or a holder of higher elected or appointed office.
But the decision-makers need not be in politics. They could be the editors of newspapers, the ministers of churches, head of hospitals, the CEOs of businesses, a college board of trustees, or the officers of a volunteer organisation. These people make decisions, too.A nd if you want to persuade them, in a real sense you’ll be lobbying, in a broad but accurate meaning of the term.
Our primary emphasis will in fact be on political lobbying, though many of the points we make will apply to other decision-makers as well.
Over and above your lobbying target, (i.e., who you lobby) lobbying can take many forms. It can occur face-to-face, over the phone, through the mail (e-mail or postal), and in many combinations or permutations. This is of course true for persuasive attempts in general. In this section, we will focus on more personal types of lobbying, other than mail.
Why should you lobby decision-makers? • Because you have a point of view, and you think it is correct. • Because some other decision-maker, and not you, has the power to turn that point of view into policy, and make it a reality. • Because you believe that decision-maker is not as well-informed as you on this particular issue. • Because you also believe that if you advise that decision-maker effectively, it will increase the chances that he or she will decide in your favour. • And because you believe that if the right decision is made, both you and the community will benefit. In very plain language, you want to lobby decision-makers because you believe that lobbying will get you (and the people you represent) what is needed.
58 59 Is lobbying really ethical? It should be. Ethical lobbying is the only kind of lobbying we aim to discuss here. Just to clarify: We’re not talking about payoffs, bribes, under-the-table favours, kickbacks, cronyism, sweetheart deals, or tit-for-tat arrangements, either expressed or implied.
We are certainly not talking about expensive lunches, even inexpensive gifts. Nor are we talking about paid lobbyists, who can be as ethical as anyone, but who lobby for a living and operate on a different level.
Rather we’re talking about smokeless, no-frills, citizen-based lobbying, where you attempt to persuade largely on the merits of your position. We mean occasions when you attempt to persuade a decision-maker that your position, A, has more value than an opposing position, B, or other positions, C, D, and E; because if A is chosen, the overall benefits for the community (and perhaps for the decision maker, too) will be the greatest.
Under those conditions, lobbying is fair persuasion, and in our view is certainly ethical.
We are tempted to go further and say that lobbying is then responsible, desirable, and usefulor to go further still and suggest that it is necessary. That is, at least in some cases, one might feel a duty to lobby decision-makers for your cause. Would you agree?
When should you lobby decision - makers?
It’s rarely a bad idea. Especially when: • The issue at hand is controversial. • There are others with opposing views. • The opposition is engaging in lobbying efforts of its own.
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• The decision is highly important for you or your group. • The decision-makers, in your view, have not made up their minds. • You know specific facts about the issue, unknown to the decision-makers. If the decision-maker knew your opinions, you think they would have a significant effect on the decision-makers’ opinion.
But are there times when you should avoid lobbying a decision-maker? There probably aren’t many, yet there probably are a few:
• When the decision-maker already has all the relevant information. • When the decision-maker has heard from you very frequently and recently before.
You don’t want to overdo it, or wear out your welcome. (In such cases, other allies can convey a similar message.)
When the decision-maker gives you signals that he or she has heard enough, and doesn’t need to hear anymore. At some point, lobbying can become counter-productive, and no longer helps your cause. Be attentive to cues that tell you when to stop. When you are firmly convinced that no matter when you do, you will lose (or, possibly, that you will win.) In those slam-dunk type cases, you might want to save your lobbying efforts for another issue, or for another day.
How should you lobby decision -makers? A lot of wisdom needs to fit under this heading. We’ll try to present it in four basic categories. You might consider these as your “secrets of success.”
1. The issue Lobbying works best when you have the right issue. What does that mean? It means an issue which is compelling, sympathetic, and winnable. Let’s elaborate a bit.
Suppose your issue is to get the iguana recognised as the official state animal; or to ban alcohol in local restaurants; or to declare the first Monday in August as Parking Ticket Amnesty Day. You may have very good reasons behind your convictions, and, for purposes of argument, let’s suppose they are also good ideas. Our practical point, though, is that these are not ideal issues. The iguana issue is not very compelling, the alcohol issue is probably not sympathetic, and the parking ticket issue is unlikely to be winnable if someone stops to count the potential lost revenue. Suppose, though, you want to raise the penalties for domestic abusers; or ban smoking in restaurants, rather than alcohol; or give seniors tax credits for community service. These issues are likely to have very different ratings on the compelling, sympathetic, and winnable scales. Can you give more details, please? From the
60 61 decision maker’s point of view (the main one that counts here), a compelling, sympathetic, and winnable issue is one which does two or more of the following:
• Responds to and corrects a current scandal that has outraged an important segment of the public. • Provides the decision-maker with plenty of “hero opportunities” (the chance to be a local hero) with important constituencies, with the local press, and with voters in the district. • Allows the decision-maker a chance to gain visibility, stature and influence in the legislative or community leadership, or in the administration. • Avoids unpleasant conflict with important constituencies, the leadership, or the administration. • Invests and protects taxpayers’ money by restructuring or increasing the efficiency of a necessary public programme.
How do your own issues rate on these criteria? Perhaps not as high as you’d like them to be. In that case, you can work on increasing their legislative or decision -maker appeal. High-quality and consistent publicity can increase your issue’s compellability quotient. And mobilising a community base of support will generate more public backing for your issue, while increasing the chances that you will eventually win. (For more on mobilising support, see below.)
2. The Base of Support From a lobbyist: “Legislators will vote because of good arguments, but the real difference is your ability to organise and mobilise a district-based grassroots effort.”
You can have the best issue in the world, but you also need other people who agree with you. This is because decision-makers respond to groups they are accountable to. These groups, or constituencies, may be voters, customers, readers, clients, advertisers, contributors, or others whose support is ultimately connected to that decision-maker staying in power. You are probably familiar with the saying, “There’s strength in numbers.” It is true.
So, to lobby effectively, you need to find others who agree with you. More than that, you need to organise them into a group who will take some action on behalf of your common issue. In other words, you want to generate and mobilise an active and powerful base of support.
The details of organising a base of support--that’s a big topic in and of itself. But they are very similar to those in recruiting members for any organisation.
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There is one more point to add, though. While decision-makers do respond to groups they are answerable to, they will respond still more positively if they know those groups are looking over their shoulder. As one lobbyist puts it, “When legislators are aware that informed constituents are watching their vote, they behave differently.”
So it’s okay to let the decision-maker know you are watching, in clear and direct terms. That is part of the process. It is ethical. For issues you care deeply about, it may be your responsibility to watch, and then when necessary, to show your strength.
Your implied message is, in effect: “We’re here, in your district; we vote; we care about these issues. We’re watching you. We’re not like most people who have no idea of what goes on at the State House every day, and don’t know how you vote. We’re organised. We know. We will know. And we want you to vote the way we want you to vote, or we won’t vote for you anymore...” That kind of message is very powerful indeed.
3. The Decision -Makers The first step is knowing who are the decision-makers for your issue is important.
This is relatively easy for political issues, at least those requiring legislation, because the names of the legislators who will decide on your issue must be public knowledge.
However, this does not mean that you have that knowledge. Do you know the names of all your elected local legislators or representatives? If you don’t, sad to say, you are in the majority. And if you do not, it is up to you to find out. Fortunately, this is not hard to do. Many citizen advocacy groups or taxpayers associations produce lists of legislative names and numbers and make them available.
You can also get them from the local library, the phone book, and (almost always) from the government itself.
62 63 For county, state, and higher levels, matters can get more complicated, because proposed legislation often goes to one or more committees for review and recommendation before a full legislative vote is taken. It’s not unusual for the legislation to get stuck in those committees and never emerge.
So it’s also your task to know both: • the current status of your legislation; and • the names of the committee members who will be most influential in getting a favourable report.
Of course, while knowing committee members may be helpful, it’s not the same thing as knowing how that committee works in practice. That takes experience, some of which you can gain by talking to well-connected friends or acquaintances, or to people who have gained that experience through possibly-painful trial and error.
If your issue involves non-political decision-makers, you may have a slightly tougher row to hoe. If you want the state university to open its gym to the public; or if you want public computers in post offices; or if the children’s library should be open on Sunday; or if the recycling programme should be expanded - who makes those decisions where you live? You may need to do some checking around to find out. Some discreet inquiries will often do the job, but occasionally you may need to dig a little deeper to learn how those kinds of decisions actually get made.
The next step once you know who your decision-makers are, you need to know how to contact them.
How do you go about it? In legislative situations, there are two basic ways. Legislators can come to you, or you can go to them.
They can come to you? Is that a real possibility? Actually, it is. Many legislators have community office hours when they are available to their constituents.This is true even for legislators who work out of town, in county seats or state capitals. Check this out.
Even if they don’t have such regular hours, you may be able to schedule an appointment in your town when the legislator has returned home, or at some other location not far away. This is also a good place to get acquainted if you haven’t met already.
Better yet, you can invite the legislator to come to a meeting with your group. Not possible, you may say; the legislator is far too busy. But have you given your legislator a good reason to be there? And have you asked? The answer may surprise you. If you ask well in advance, if you have some persistence, and if the legislator sees the meeting in his or her self-interest
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(e.g., Will there be enough voters in the room?) the legislator may indeed come.
Reminder: Legislators expect to be contacted, and actually need to be contacted in order to do their job well. They may be helping you; but you are also helping them. If you are part of an on-going group with on-going legislative interests, it may not be realistic for your legislator to attend all the time, but don’t let a year slip by without creating the opportunity for a legislative visit. Some ways to encourage visits are to arrange special events-legislative breakfasts, meet -the-candidate nights, panel discussions, even a legislative awards dinnerwhere your legislator will feel motivated and/ or obligated to be there.
Going to them. But you can also make contact on the legislator’s home ground. If your experience is like ours, you may find there is no uniform best way to do so. Some legislators like postal mail, to see things in writing. Some legislators (especially when a vote is coming up soon) will record and log phone calls, yea or nay. An increasing number have fax and/ or e-mail and/ or Internet access, and would just as soon hear from you electronically. When you are just getting started, and don’t know your legislator well, it’s perfectly fine to call in directly, and say, “We want to get a message to X. What’s the best way of doing it?” Alternatively, you can ask others who are experienced in this area and have contacted this legislator before, and whose word you trust.
If you are making phone calls, you need to be careful about boundary issues - when you should call, where you should call, and so on. The following example illustrates why this is important.
Example: Once we were calling a provincial representative on an issue that was important to us. It was late on a Friday afternoon, and she wasn’t at her office, so we tried her at home. She picked up right away. While she was polite, she was also making dinner, and told us as much. She didn’t come right out and say it, but she let on that it would be better to call her at work. We got the point. We learned that if you call a decision-maker at home, you either need to know that person very well, or have a very good reason, and in any case avoid the dinner hour.
A valuable point here is to get to know the decision-maker’s aides or spokespeople. If you are calling, or trying to set up an appointment, or sending documentation, the chances are relatively small that you will reach the decision-maker directly. This is especially true on a higher-than-local level. You are much more likely to reach a legislative aide, an administrative assistant, or a receptionist.
But you want to make sure that your message is conveyed to the legislator as accurately, swiftly, and as personally as possible; so it will help if you get to know the decision -maker’s key aide (or aides) by name. The Member Parliament may be in a conference, but Mr./ 64 65 Ms. Constituent Service Person may be right next to the phone and happy to assist you. An assistant can also advise you on the legislator’s preferences and habits, and on how to make your actual contact with the legislator most effective. Some assistants can also attend your local meetings when the legislator is not available - some might actually like to attend. So if you can develop a professional and friendly and mutually-helpful relationship with those assistants, so much the better.
4. The persuasive message When you do make contact with the decision-maker, you want to be concerned both with what you say and how you say it. The details will vary, depending upon your method of contact- in person, over the phone, or by writing--and depending of course upon your particular issue. But here’s the basic framework. In almost all cases, it will help if you include the following points:
Who you are • If contacting legislators or elected representatives, include your address and phone. What group or organisation (if any) you represent • For legislative issues, you are presumably part of a network in the district and province that is following a bill you care very much about.
Your reason for making the contact • What is your concern? What is your connection to the issue? • If you have particular expertise on the issue, here’s a good place to cite it.
The name, number, and current status of the bill if it is pending legislation in parliament. The specific action you would like the decision -maker to take and the reasons you would like the decision -maker to take action
Here’s the place to give your facts. • Make sure they are clear, brief, relevant, accurate, and, if possible, new. • Highlight the main points. Be selective. • If you’ve got more documentation, include it as an appendix, or separate communication. The reasons why the actions you recommend will advance the decision -maker’s interests
For example: • If contacting a legislator, how will the action help constituents?
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• If contacting a business executive, how will it help improve profits, and/ or the economy, and/ or create jobs? • If contacting an agency director, how will it improve quality, quantity, or appropriateness of service? • Are there any perceived downsides to the action? If so, show how they can easily be overcome. • Do others support you? Let’s hope so! Comment on this here. “Thank you for your consideration.” And some optional additions: • “Please contact me if you need further information.” • “We look forward to your positive action on this matter.”
Keep it short. • Attention spans are limited. Know when it’s time to stop.
Keep it polite. • There’s little to be gained otherwise.
Show your appreciation. • Do you ever get tired of appreciation? No? You’re not alone.
You are probably not the only one who should be sending a message. So encourage those working with you to follow the same steps above. For an outstanding example of how this general approach worked to change an important reallife decision.
These general principles above apply regardless of your method of contact.
66 67 It’s good advice, though, not to get too caught up on the details, or on rigidly following a script. Decision-makers (often, but not always) tend to respond to human feelings; they sometimes respond to feelings as much as or more than fact.
Particularly when it comes to writing letters, one professional lobbyist has this perspective: “When people write, they shouldn’t get stuck on the fine points.Y ou can say, “Dear Representative XXX, I really care about this issue, and I know it’s coming up next week. And I vote for you, and I grew up in this town/ village, and I knew your dad. Thank you very much. Name, address, phone number.” What legislators love best are these mom-and-dad letters. You know, that end “God bless you, sir.” They love those. Well, not all of them read all of their mail. But for sure their aides or assistants spot form letters, where everybody says the same thing. Writing can be very effective; but at the same time, as in other persuasion situations, the best way to lobby decision-makers is through personal contact-especially personal contact by people known to be influential with that decision-maker:
“The best way to advocate is personally. You know, your legislator goes to the barbershop, and you talk to him, personal contact. Personal, direct contact that’s specific. If I can get my organisation to have one concerned constituent have a one-on-one meeting with a legislator, in the district, during office hours.”
Imagine coming to somebody’s house and meeting with five parents of disabled children, and they say to you, “Here is this line-item budget, the budget’s going to be debated next week, and here is this line item we are about, and we know Representative Such- and-Such is offering this amendment, and we sure hope you’ll support it.”... “Yeah, okay.”
And sometimes legislators will come out and say, “You didn’t tell me that the mother of my high school teacher was going to be there.” And I go [little voice], “No, I didn’t know.” And then they really feel fingered. But…too bad.
Books and other sources on persuasive techniques in general will also be helpful; for lobbying decision-makers is one of many real-life cases where persuasion is called for. In the larger scheme of things, your goals are simple: first, to find good reasons why the decision-maker should do what you want, and then to show the decision-maker why that action is also in his or her best interest. But back again to lobbying. And to summarise in one sentence the key points raised in this section: “We must identify, organise, and mobilise key community opinion leaders into a coordinated district-based grassroots network capable of participating in a series of compelling winnable public policy campaigns designed to restore and repair key building blocks of human service infrastructure.”
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SUMMARY
So now you should have a fair idea about the economy and the types of industries that contribute to the economy, such as primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary industries. When discussing economics and budgeting there will be a lot of terms that you would have come across that are new to you and hopefully you were able to understand.
Always keep in mind the big tasks government has in trying to allocate funds and resources to the different ministries who are to look after certain areas of Fiji’s economy, society, politics and the environment.
You must try to look at services that are provided by a relevant ministry such as the small grant scheme offered in rural departments. See the type of projects that you can get your community involved. It should be a project that helps develop your area to become self sufficient and that makes your village or community less reliant on the government.Y ou should see how your project proposal will allow your community to be self- reliant. But, you also have the right to lobby decisions such as the budget or any bill that you see as not being fair. But when you lobby on issues and create awareness, you must do it responsibly.
68 69 70 71 Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook SECTION 3: GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES
INTRODUCTION
As you know a ministry is a department of a government, led by a minister. Ministries are lower than the cabinet, and prime minister, or president. A government will usually have many ministries, each with a specialised field of service.
As you know those who work in the various ministries are called civil servants, which means they are paid by tax payers. In this section we will go through the various Ministries and look at their various roles, functions and project(s) that would be of interest to you. It is important you try to find out projects that could benefit your village or community and to make you less dependent on the government.
There are policies that are made by government that are implemented and monitored by a particular ministry or ministries. The cabinet minister is responsible for the actions of their ministry.
If waste, corruption, or any other misbehaviour is found to have occurred within a ministry, the minister is responsible even if the minister had no knowledge of the actions. The Permanent Secretary (PS) (formerly known as Chief Executive Officer) assists in running the Ministry and report to the Minister. is also responsible for any matters concerning the Ministry.
As a responsible and voting citizen of Fiji you also have the right to raise matters concerning the Ministry and to seek the resignation of the Minister.
In this section we will look at: • The Role of Ministries; and • Ministry contact details. Note: The information and contact details may change when this publication goes to print. Since 2006, the ministerial portfolios have been reshuffled several times.
70 71 THE MINISTER
We all know that the minister is responsible for all actions by a ministry. Each Ministry has an important role to play in the certain areas they look after. Civil servants also must ensure they work according to the “code of ethics”. Even without knowledge of a breach by subordinates the minister approved the hiring and continued employment of those civil servants or even transferring them to other Ministries or department.
If misdeeds are found to have occurred in a ministry the minister is expected to resign. It is also possible for a minister along with their Permanent Secretary to face criminal charges for any serious wrong-doing under their responsibility. This is to ensure our leaders are transparent, accountable and fair to all citizens of Fiji.
THE FUNCTION OF THE CABINET
The function of Cabinet is to advise the President. It is collectively responsible to Parliament for all Government policies and the operation of Government services.
The Prime Minister must establish a multiparty Cabinet which should include member parties of the House of Representatives.
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President based on who, in his opinion, can form a government that has the confidence of the House of Representatives.
The Cabinet is collectively responsible to the House of Representatives for the governance of the State. Affairs of the government are carried out by the government departments, each headed by a Minister. The Minister is responsible to Parliament for the activities of the department. These departments are staffed by a career public service, whose members do not relinquish their jobs on a change of government.
The new public sector reform aims to bring about a change in the quality of service provided by the public service. Now we will go over the role of the various Ministries and how you can contact them and learn where they are located.
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1. PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
The Prime Minister is the Minister responsible for the Finance and National Planning and Sugar, Public Service, Peoples’ Charter for Change, Information and Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation.
The Private Office, comprises staff who look after the Prime Minister’s daily official appointments and social engagements.
The General Office is responsible for the management and administration of the Prime Minister’s Office as a whole. This Division also coordinates development support activities, including assistance to members of the general public, and the administration of the Prime Minister’s statutory responsibilities for Rotuma and Rabi.
The Cabinet Office functions as the secretariat of Cabinet, arranging Cabinet meetings, the collation and distribution of Cabinet records, and the issue of Cabinet decisions to the appropriate Ministries for follow up action.
Departments: • Office of the President andV ice President • Office of the Prime Minister • Office of the Secretary-General to Parliament - www.parliament.gov.fj • Office of the Ombudsman • Human Rights Commission - www.humanrights.org.fj • Ministry of Information and Archives - www.info.gov.fj • Department of National Archives • Film and Television Unit If you have access to an internet service you can check these websites:
Elections Office - www.elections.gov.fj (Has the 2006 election results)
Parliment of Fiji (Legislature) - www.parliament.gov.fj
Public Service Commission - www.psc.gov.fj
Postal Address: PO Box 2353, Govt Bldgs, Suva Phone: 3211 201 Fax: 3306 034
72 73 [email protected] Other offices that are part of, or administratively catered for by the Prime Minister’s Office is the Office of the President, Parliament of Fiji, PolicyA nalysis Unit, the Ombudsman’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
Departments: • Public Service Commission • Cabinet Office • Office of the President • Parliament of Fiji (Legislature) • Policy Analysis Unit • Ombudsman’s Office • Elections Office How you can contact the Ministry and its departments?
Prime Minister’s Office Postal Address: PO Box 2353, Govt Bldgs, Suva Phone: 3211 201 Fax: 3306 034 Email: [email protected]
Public Service Commission Postal Address: PO Box 2211, Govt Bldgs, Suva Phone: 3314588 Fax: 3302570
MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
The Ministry is responsible for formulating and implementing fiscal, financial and monetary policies. Furthermore it is also responsible for the evaluation and review of the following governmental programmes and their associated expenditure:
• Governmental financial administration and accounts; • Budget Formulation and Analysis; • Printers and Stationery: printing and publishing services;
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• Supplies: procure, handle store, arrange, through Customs, and distribution of all materials and supplies needed by Government and appointment of Boards of Survey; and • Information Technology and Computing Services: promote and facilitate high quality information technology services to ministries and departments.
NATIONAL PLANNING
The formulation of economic, social policies and strategies are made by the two major divisions of the Ministry of National Planning. These are the National Planning Office and the Bureau of Statistics. These policies and strategies include the analysis of economic and demographic trends and their implications for the labour force and social services.
Visit the Ministry of Finance and National Planning website: www.mfnp.gov.fj
Departments that come under the Ministry are: 1. Bureau of Statistics 2. Information, Technology and Computing Service 3. Government Printing 4. Government Supplies 5. Prices and Incomes Board 6. Office of theA uditor General
How you can contact the Finance and National Planning departments?
Finance Postal Address: PO Box 2212, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3307011 Fax: (679) 3300834 Email: [email protected]
National Planning Postal Address: PO Box 2351, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3313 411 Fax: (679) 3304 809
74 75 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AND CIVIL AVIATION
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the agency for Fiji’s relations with all foreign Governments and international organisations.
In maintaining and promoting friendly relations between Fiji and her foreign partners, the Ministry seeks to secure the maximum, political, economic and cultural benefits to the nation.
The Ministry communicates directly with Foreign Governments through its own missions overseas or through their diplomatic agents in Fiji on matters of prime concern to the Government. These include its diplomatic relations, regional and international political issues, treaties and conventions, and aid and economic issues.
Through its mission overseas, the ministry plays a consular role, particularly in respect of Fiji citizens overseas.
Visit the Ministry’s website for more information: www.foreignaffairs.gov.fj
How you can contact the Foreign Affairs Department? Postal Address: PO Box 2220, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 309 631, Fax: (679) 301 741 Email: [email protected]
ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT
Through the National Environment Strategy, the Ministry promotes the concept of sustainable development legislation, natural resource management, environment impact assessment and waste management.
It continues to promote increased public awareness of the importance of conserving and protecting Fiji’s natural environment. National projects that have been started from international environment programmes to deal with global issues include climate change, depletion of ozone layer and hazardous waste.
You can contact the Ministry to find out some of these environmental programmes and how they can assist you in implementing some of these conservation programmes in your area. Always note that sustainable development is to do with managing your resources wisely and not allowing it to be destroyed which in turn affects the future generations.
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How you can contact the Ministry and its departments?
The Environment Department Postal Address: PO Box 2109, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji. Phone: (679) 3311 699 Fax: (679) 3312 879
THE DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY
The Department of Lands and Survey is responsible for the administration and oversight of all development on State Land in Fiji under the State Lands Act, Cap 132. As the principal survey authority in Fiji under the Surveyors Act Cap 260, it is responsible for the regulation of all land surveys undertaken in Fiji by registered surveyors. It also develops, provides and maintains the network of survey controls nation wide. A major and growing role is that of land information, and the Department produces and updates all national maps of Fiji. The Valuation Division of the Department undertakes all negotiations and acquisitions of land for public purposes including assessments of rentals.
For more information, visit their website: www.lands.gov.fj
How you can contact the department? Postal address: P. O. Box 2222, Govt. Buildings, Suva. Phone: 3211 460/ 3211 389 Fax: 3303 841
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
Fiji is a volcanic island and so there is bound to be minerals to be found and used such as gold and copper. We are also affected by ocean waves and trade winds, as well large rivers that can be transformed into energy.
The Ministry is responsible for assisting in providing energy to the domestic, commercial and industrial users by public enterprises and the private sector.
It encourages the Fiji Electricity Authority to operate in rural areas and selling power. The Ministry is involved in research and promoting the development of local energy resources such as Hydro-power (rivers), biomass (methane gas from animals), solar (sun), wave and wind energy as well as promoting saving energy.
Did you ever think what lies beneath the earth? The Mineral Resources Department acts as both the National Geological Survey and Mines Department of the Republic of Fiji 76 77 Islands, with the mandate to look after the Mining, Petroleum (Exploration and Exploitation), Quarries, Explosives and Continental Shelf Acts. Its two major operating areas are Mines
Administration and Geological and Mineral Investigations. Visit the Mineral Resources Department website for more information: www.mrd.gov.fj/gfiji/ How you can contact the department? Postal Address: Private Mail Bag, Suva. Office Ph.: 3381 611 Fax No.: 3370 039
MINISTRY OF HEALTH The Ministry is to coordinate and administer health related programmes and projects. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the following:
• Medical services including drug and other supplies, associated with patient care in urban hospitals and health centres, Sub-divisional hospitals, Rural Medical and Nursing Stations; • Research confined to virus control, vector control, filariasis control and surveillance of AIDS; • Public Health targeted at Maternal/Child Health, Communicable Disease Prevention, Family Planning, Pollution Control and Rural Health Services; • Health Education and Training through Fiji School of Medicine and the Fiji School of Nursing; • Operation of three Nursing Homes (Old People’s Home) in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa; and • The Ministry is responsible for sub- divisional hospitals, health centres and nursing stations around the country. Major health promotion and campaigns are developed and run by this Ministry, such as for heart disease, diabetes and healthy living.
Its role is to provide a health care system that is accessible, affordable, responsive, equitable and of a high quality to the people. It is responsible for divisional hospitals and national referral hospitals (such as St. Giles Hospital (Mental Health) and Twomey Hospital (Tuberculosis and Skin Diseases).
The Ministry is also in charge of the Government Pharmacy and clinical/ medical services which include drugs and medicare, medical equipment and supplies.
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In the years ahead, the Ministry of Health will pursue health priorities to include the following: • Workforce planning, training and development • Health education and information • Health Management and Reform • Cost recovery and health insurance • Donor co-ordination • Equipment for sub-divisional hospitals and health centres • Health Education/Health Promotion development project • Occupational Health and Safety • Maintenance of the new Paediatric Hospital, CWMH • Construction and maintenance of the new Nadi Hospital extension • Continuation of the Taveuni Rural & Community Health Project • Major Upgrading of Health Centres in Western, Northern and Central/ Eastern Division • Construction of the new Vunidawa Hospital, Naitasiri • Masterplan and Design for Labasa, Ba and Nasinu Hospital • Upgrading of major (Divisional and Specialist) Hospitals • Upgrading of Health Information System.
For more information visit the Ministry of Health website - www.health.gov.fj Postal Address: PO Box 2223, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3306177 Fax: (679) 3306163 [email protected]
78 79 MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
The broad objective of the Ministry of Labour and industrial relations is to cover all activities in the elaboration, implementation, control and evaluation of policies on labour relations, labour and safety standards and employment.
This Ministry has always been in the news particularly when workers feel their rights are not met by an industry or company. The Ministry tries to ensure such disputes are done according to the law. The Ministry is to cover all activities in the explaining, implementing and evaluating policies on labour relations, labour and safety standards and employment.
In the Ministry there several sections which are the: • Permanent Arbitrator: Their role is to provide a permanent institution for adjudication of industrial disputes in the fairest manner. • Occupational Health and Safety: Looks at the effective administration of the legislation and other standards relating to occupational health and safety and the promotion of a high standard of health and safety in all places of work. Which means employers must ensure the work place is safe to work in and that employees are not in danger of any accident. • Legal: It provides legal advice on labour legislation, and also litigation and prosecution services for all sections of the Ministry. • Training: They provide effective training programmes for the staff in order that the highest quality services are provided to the people.
Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Postal Address: PO Box 2216, Government Buildings, Suva. Fiji. Phone: (679) 3309155 Fax: (679) 3304701 For more information you can visit their website: www.labour.gov.fj Email: [email protected]
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EMPLOYMENT MINISTRY
The main role and responsibility of the Employment Ministry is to network with stakeholders to increase workplace, industry and national productivity through job creation efforts of new enterprises and improving productivity of existing enterprises and industries. To assist these efforts, the Ministry is in charge with reviewing current policies and strategies and put in place cost effective policies, action plans and projects to apply the new National Productivity Charter with stakeholders, including the measurement of productivity.
It administers the National Apprenticeship Training Programme and other national training schemes for industries including the National Standards and Accreditation System through the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF). This means that those who are studying in a technical or vocational institute are given work experience while studying or if they are working, they can try to improve their skills.
The Ministry encourages the promotion of business and service excellence in both the private and public services.
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The work of the Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development are focused on legislative reviews, urban planning and managing the impacts of rapid urbanisation, municipal reforms, fire protection and disaster management, and control and regulation of land use. The main focus of the activities is to develop and implement the government’s local government and town and country planning legislations, policies and programmes. There has been a proposed restructure in the local governments in 2009, with the mayoral position being replaced by executives.
The following are the various sections of this part of the Ministry: • Department of Local Government manages the development of Fiji’s twelve (12) municipal local governments through the local government Act (Cap.125). • Department of Town and Country Planning controls and regulates the appropriate use of land in Fiji through the Town Planning Act (Cap.139) and Subdivision of • Land Act (Cap.140), such as factory and residential zones and business zones (which includes offices, retail and nightclubs). • National Fire Authority (NFA) was established under the National Fire Services • Act, 1994 that came into being on 01/02/1995. The NFA’s main priority is the improvement of its services through the procurement of new fire fighting equipment, upgrading of firemen skills and establishment of volunteer fire brigades.
80 81 You could see if you can become a volunteer in the Fire Authority. • Squatter Ressettlement Unit deal with undertaking squatter upgrading projects in the following areas: Jittu Estate, Wailea, Lakena No. 1 and 2, Navutu, Cuvu, Clopcott Street, Waidra. Local Government, Urban Development and Housing Postal Address: PO Box 2131, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3304364 Fax: (679) 3303515
MINISTRY OF PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT, INDIGENOUS AND MULTI ETHNIC AFFAIRS
Indigenous Affairs The Ministry facilitates the link between Government, the Fijian Affairs Board (FAB) and the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) and other related institutions in policy formulation, legislative assistance, budgetary provisions and implementation of programmes aimed at attaining greater well being and good government of the indigenous Fijians. For more information you can visit the Fijian Affairs’ website: www.fijianaffairs.gov.fj The Ministry, which has a large responsibility over resources and Fijian administration assists the link between Government, the Fijian Affairs Board (FAB) and the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) and other related institutions in policy formulation, legislative assistance, budgetary provisions and implementation of programmes aimed at attaining greater well being and good governance of the indigenous Fijians. There are three main departments in the Ministry which are:
• Native Lands and Fisheries Commission Establishes and determines lands which are rightful and hereditary property of Fijians in accordance with the provisions of the Native Lands Act and in accordance with Fijian customs and usage and provisions of the Fisheries Act.
• Fijian Education Unit (FEU) The Fijian Education Unit is responsible for administering the scholarship funds allocated annually by government for Fijians and Rotumans. It ensures that an open and a transparent process exists in the selection of applicants qualified for scholarship awards under the appropriate criteria and guidelines. The Unit commits itself to promoting focused training and education for Fijians at all levels of society in order to produce a highly qualified group of educated Fijians who will participate in and actively contribute to the national economy. If you are a Fijian or Rotuman you should try to find out the scholarships available to your
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children. • The Fijian Education Committee The Fijian Education Committee (hereafter referred to as the “Committee”) is the overall authority in terms of the awarding of Fijian Affairs’ Boards scholarships to deserving Fijian and Rotuman applicants for studies at a recognised local or overseas institute. The Committee, which is appointed by the Minister, comprises of seven members and is chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Fijian Affairs. The composition is reviewed annually. Mentoring and Monitoring Programme
Because it is government funded it is important that the performance of students on FAB scholarships are monitored and to provide extra tutorial classes, as well assisting them to fit into the environment since many students do come from rural and outer islands.
Department of Culture and Heritage The Department of Culture and Heritage provides policy advice on issues related to the safeguarding and enhancement of our cultural and natural heritage. It promotes the preservation and understanding of cultures in Fiji and has a Cultural Grants Funding Program which assists community groups to form cultural groups and is assisted by the Fiji Arts Council.
This department is linked to the operations of the Fiji Museum and National Trust of Fiji.
Departments: • Fijian Affairs and Heritage Department • Department of Culture and Heritage: www.culture.gov.fj • Fijian Affairs Board • Native Fisheries Commission • Native Lands Commission • National Trust of Fiji Fijian Affairs: Office Location: 61 Carnavon Street, Suva. Postal Address: PO Box 2100, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji. Phone: (679) 3311774 Fax: (679) 3314717
82 83 MINISTRY OF PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Ministry of Provincial Development is charged by government to implement its rural development policies, programmes and activities through its district and divisional administration. This includes the provision of administrative support services, regional planning research and policy advice, rural development and rural housing, disaster management and other additional services.
Its purpose is to encourage the empowerment of the rural people through the development process to change their situations and to better meet their needs.
It tries to promote self-sufficiency, the use of sustainable development methods, approaches and models and the application of appropriate technology in the evolution of the rural people of Fiji.
This Ministry is quite important which is why a bit more information on its services. Vision: The ultimate vision is the empowerment of the rural people through the development process to change their situations and to better meet their needs.
Mission: To effectively coordinate the promotion of self-sufficiency, the use of sustainable development methods, approaches and models and the application of appropriate technology in the evolution of the rural people of Fiji.
MINISTRY OF MULTI-ETHNIC AFFAIRS
The Multi-Ethnic Affairs plays a major role in addressing the development needs of the Indian and minority communities, such as the European, Chinese, Solomon, Banaban and Kioan descendants. They make up around forty six percent (46%) of Fiji’s national population comprising some twelve ethnic communities.
The four main functions of the Ministry are: • Multi Ethnic Affairs Scholarships; • Community Development (Self-Help) Projects; • Culture Enhancement; and • Secretariat to National Advisory Councils. Its mission is to facilitate the multi-ethnic community development, cultural enhancement and educational assistance to the poor and disadvantaged citizens.
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MINISTRY OF PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MULTI-ETHNIC AFFAIRS
Department of Multi-Ethnic Affairs visit www.multiethnicaffairs.gov.fj Natural Disaster Management Office Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Postal Address: PO Box 2219, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji. Phone: (679) 3313 400 Fax: (679) 3313 035
Commissioner Central PO Box 45, Nausori. Phone: 3477000 Fax: 3478633
Commissioner Eastern PO Box 15097, Suva. Phone: 3313400 Fax: 3303256
Commissioner Northern PO Box 46 Labasa. Phone: 8811322 Fax: 8813228
Commissioner Western PO Box 64 Lautoka. Phone: 6660158 Fax: 6660779
Provincial Development: Postal Address: PO Box 2219, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3313 400 Fax: (679) 3313 035
84 85 ATTORNEY GENERAL, MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE, ELECTORAL REFORM, PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND ANTI-CORRUPTION, INDUSTRY, TOURISM AND TRADE
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
The Attorney-General (AG) is the Minister responsible for the Office of theA ttorney- General. The Attorney-General (AG) is also responsible for Justice, Electoral Reform, Public Enterprises and Anti-Corruption Unit. Its Permanent Secretary is the Solicitor-General. Both positions are Constitutional appointments.
You will note that the Minister for Justice is also the Attorney General. The AG is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and must be either a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate. The Solicitor- General (SG) however is appointed by the Judicial Service Commission which is a Constitutional Commission chaired by the Chief Justice.
MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE
The Ministry for Justice comprises of three (3) separate departments. The Justice Department is the core department, and the two line departments are the Judicial and the Prisons Department. • Ministry for Justice • Judicial Department • Office of the Public Prosecutions • Prisons and Corrections Department
The Judicial Department is responsible for enhancing the quality of justice in the community by ensuring an effective and accessible Court System and as cornerstone of Justice; the court system will uphold the principles of equality, fairness and access while protecting the dignity and rights of all members of the community.
The Fiji Prisons Service is responsible for the safe, secure and humane treatment of persons in custody by providing opportunities to correct offending behaviour, develop work and life skills and perform community service. They also work towards enhancing the quality of custodial responsibilities, improve inmate rehabilitation programs, develop human resources and modernise the service.
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Services Provided by the Justice Department: • Registrar-General’s Office • Registrar of Titles Office • Registrar of Companies • Finance Intelligence Unit • Commissioner of Stamp Duties Office
How you can contact the Ministry and its departments? Box 2213, Government Buildings, Suva. Phone: (679) 3309 866 Fax: (679) 3305 421 Attorney General and Minister for Justice Visit the Attorney General’s Office website www.ag.gov.fj
How you can contact the Commission? Postal Address: Box 2213, Government Buildings, Suva. Phone: (679) 3309 866 Fax: (679) 3302 404 Fiji Law Reform Commission For more information you can visit their website: www.lawreform.gov.fj
How you can contact the Commission? Postal Address: Box 2194, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3303 900 Fax: (679) 3303 646 Fiji Legal Aid Commission
How you can contact the Commission? Postal Address:Private Mail Bag, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3211 63 Fax: (679) 3303 023
86 87 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISE & PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM
The Ministry was set up to carry out the Government’s public enterprise programme aimed at increasing the economic efficiency of the public enterprise sector. This simply means that certain factories or operations run by government will now run like private companies to make money for the economy.
This includes privatising Government commercial entities such as Post Fiji and Telecom Fiji and watching over the performance of Government Commercial Companies and Commercial Statutory Authorities. This will mean that employers will need to improve customer service and to ensure they are good workers.
For more information visit the Ministry of Public Enterprise website - www.publicenterprises. gov.fj
MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND TRANSPORT
As you must know the tourism industry is very important to Fiji’s economy, not only does it bring in money for the nation but it also creates employment.
The Ministry’s main task is to oversee and implement tourism development programmes; monitor the effectiveness of incentives provided by Government; and promote and help in the development of the tourism industry through the Fiji Visitors Bureau (FVB). This was by carrying out promotional campaigns in countries like Australia, New Zealand, USA, Japan, South Korea and other countries in Europe.
To encourage tourism in the country the ministry may assist investors in future tourism developments and providing incentives such as not charging tax for several years on imported goods. It also is encouraging “eco- tourism” which ensures tourism development do not destroy our environment and help preserve it.
The Ministry also looks after the transport links and networks, locally and internationally. It monitors passenger and freight services of air, sea and land transport providers.
MINISTRY OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Under this ministry there are three key areas agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
The Ministry plays a pivotal role in the Fiji economy, providing critical and reciprocal linkages with all the other sectors of the economy and accounts for 50 per cent of the total formal employment. It is committed to encourage sectoral growth, guarantee food security
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and improve the living standard of all people in Fiji.
There are major agricultural projects being overseen by the Ministry that are to do with pest control and research on crop types and farming practices.
The Government recognises the potential of fisheries and forestry a major potential foreign exchange earner whilst simultaneously provides rural employment, regular income and economic development to promote rural stability and improvement of rural living standards.
How you can contact the Ministry and its departments? Agriculture: Postal Address: PO Box 2218, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3301611 Fax: (679) 3301595 For more information visit the Ministry of Agriculture website: www.agriculture.gov.fj
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND FORESTS
The Ministry is to ensure that the Fisheries and Forest Resources are developed and managed in a sustainable way for the benefit of all stakeholders.To achieve this, the core roles and responsibilities are Research and Development, Provision of Extension Services and Training, Law Enforcement, Monitoring and Surveillance, and Provision of Support Infrastructures where economically viable.
The Government position is to create and provide wherever possible the social and economic environment in which the private sector can prosper and develop forest and fish resources. The intervention policy and strategy of the Ministry are and will be selective and relates only to areas where the private enterprise should not or cannot invest.
More active and direct intervention will be carried out in order to stimulate investment by the private enterprise in a balance way and to provide a sound foundation on which private enterprise can build, including the affirmative action programs that are needed and necessary for the direct participation of the indigenous Fijian and Rotumans; and direct involvement in the commercial activities.
88 89 FISHERIES SECTOR
In the fisheries sector the Ministry is to promote and expand sustainable competitive exports of living marine products by providing suitable, technological appropriate, safe and cost effective fishing vessels, particularly for industrial fisheries segment.
The Ministry is to encourage managing marine resources in a way that the resource owner and community benefit as well as ensuring the natural environment and sea animals and plants are not affected.
Apart from utilising our marine resources we must try to think about ensuring there is enough fish and other sea creatures in the sea which we regard as food for the future.Working and consulting with the traditional fishing- ground owners on the use, conservation and sustainability of baitfish and other lagoon fish species is essential.The Ministry is also assisting in exploring new areas such as black pearl industry.
For more information visit the fisheries’ website: www.fisheries.gov.fj
FORESTRY SECTOR
We are to promote environmental conservation and management as the basis for the sustainable development of the sector through the enforcement of the National Code of Logging Practice and Certification.A lso in this sector the Ministry assists in promoting the forest resources in a way that benefits resource owners and the community at large. However everyone in the community has a role to play in trying learn about the importance of trees and how preserving them leads to conserving other native plants and animals, as well as preventing soil erosion.
The logging and selling of trees are to be properly marketed and the shares distributed fairly with the landowners.
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MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
The overall responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is to prepare and apply policies and strategies to promote investment, commerce, small business development, consumer protection and fair trading in the domestic market. Through its policy role, the Ministry aims to create a supportive business and commercial environment that is stable, secure, transparent and free of lengthy approval processes for all investors be they in industry, commerce, co-operatives, small business or micro-enterprises.
The Ministry has responsibility for two statutory bodies (which are looked at in Section 4): • the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau (FTIB); and • the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCOF).
How you can contact the Ministry and its departments? Ministry of Commerce website www.commerce.gov.fj Postal Address: PO Box 2118, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3305411 Fax: (679) 3302617
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, NATIONAL HERITAGE, CULTURE AND ARTS, YOUTH AND SPORTS
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH & SPORTS
The Ministry is concerned with broad policy issues on all aspects of education. A major aim is to ensure that available resources are wisely allocated and put to maximum use to ensure that relevance and quality of education provided at all levels of the education system particularly in rural areas. Educational policies are formulated within the framework of national goals so that the process of education contributes also to the achievement of Government’s broad outcomes. Personnel management, in-service training and budgetary matters feature prominently in this programme.
The Ministry has professionals who review the education curriculum and what is being taught in schools, to ensure that they are relevant. One of the branches of the Ministry also deals with creating awareness on substance abuse, to ensure the public try to make healthy choices and to make Fiji Drug- free.
90 91 The Ministry of Youth and Sports is a government agency responsible for coordinating youth development initiatives throughout the nation. Youth Unemployment which is one of the major problems faced by the young people of Fiji so the Ministry along with other government and non government agencies have been working together to come up with ways and means to tackle this problem. With the limited job opportunities the Ministry since 2002 has been assisting young people start their own small businesses. This way young people can earn an income for themselves and their families.
The Sports Department is responsible for the promotion and development of sports in the country and enhancing Fiji’s recognition internationally as a successful sporting nation. The Ministry provides grants to the sporting bodies to support sports developments in the country.
The Sports Section also aims to deliver skills coaching, referee and umpire development to the youths, teachers and coaching, referee and umpire development to the youths, teachers and sports administrators in the rural areas. The program is used to identify new sports talents, who can be further developed for future national sports representations.
For more information visit the website: www.education.gov.fj Also for more information on the youth and sports sector visit the website: www.youth.gov.fj
How you can contact the Ministry and its departments? Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports Youth Phone: 3315960 Fax: 3305348 Education: Phone: 3314477 Fax: 3303511
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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION The Ministry formulates and implements policies relating to defence, security, law and order.
REPUBLIC OF FIJI MILITARY FORCES It is made up of the Army and the Naval Force, who are responsible for defence, internal security, international peacekeeping duties, nation building, youth training and infrastructure development in rural areas, protection of Fiji’s 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), support operations during disasters, emergencies and maritime research and rescue.
The military has joint training operations with other military personnel from Australia, New Zealand, France and United States of America. Fiji’s Military Force have served extensively in the Middle East.
For more information visit the military website: www.rfmf.mil.fj Fiji Police Force Is responsible for the maintenance of law and order, preservation of peace, protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of all laws it is directly charged with.
They have also served in missions abroad such as East Timor, Kosovo and Solomon Islands.
For more information visit the Police website: www.police.gov.fj
Immigration This section of the Ministry is responsible for the administration of immigration functions throughout the country. This includes the formulation and implementation of policies relating to work permits, investments, passports, citizenship and for maintaining services at ports of entry. It provides statistics through its computerised system that is used by various government departments and the private sector for planning purposes.
The department also provides consular and immigration services for non-represented Commonwealth countries.
For more information visit the Immigration website: www.immigration.gov.fj
How you can contact the Ministry and its departments? Postal Location: PO Box 2349, Government Buildings, Suva. Phone: (679) 3211401 Fax: (679) 3300346 Email: [email protected]
92 93 MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND ARCHIVES
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
The aim of the Ministry is to create a well- informed and united Fiji promoting media freedom and active media and public participation in nation building. They also try to draw- up policies which encourage responsible reporting and inform the public on government projects and other awareness campaigns.
The Ministry is the Government’s major information agency providing the link between the Government, the media and the public. The Ministry’s role is to better inform the public about the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress and relevant development issues.
INFORMATION SERVICES The Information Services division includes the News Section, Public Affairs, Publications and Public and Media Relations.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS This Department provides support services to the Minister but if you were to operate a radio or television station or run a magazine and newspaper in Fiji this is the department to visit since it administers operating licences and radio communication licences for media companies. It is in charge of certifying radio operators and approving telecommunications contractors, as well as providing a telecommunications equipment licensing and inspection service. Also giving a station’s radio frequency.
FILM & TELEVISION UNIT The unit is responsible for Government’s Broadcast Services which includes television and radio. Both the Information Services and Film & Television Unit deliver Government’s core information services. Key national issues which require strategic publicity include, inter- alia, the Government’s mandate – the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace & Progress, and the promotion of good governance and the delivery of efficient and effective public services. Today the Unit produces three weekly programmes in English, Fijian and Hindi – namely Dateline Fiji, Voqa ni Davui and Sitara.
ARCHIVES ADMINISTRATION AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT The National Archives of Fiji is responsible for the appraisal, acquisition, safe custody and the proper maintenance of the permanent records of Government. This includes facilitating access to these records, and the provision of advice and assistance to Government offices on recordkeeping best practice.
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LIBRARY AND RESEARCH SERVICES
Housed within the National Archives are the Sir Alport Barker Memorial Library and Government’s Legal Deposit Library which receives all materials printed and/ or published in Fiji under the Legal Deposit Act. The Department provides reference and information services to Government and the public and continues to promote scholarly research of the archival and published materials held in its custody.
You can visit the archives and look for certain historical records which can be used for any particular purpose for yours or children’s projects.
CORPORATE SERVICES
The Corporate Services Unit, made up of an Accounting Cadre and an Administration Section, provides support for the operations of the Ministry.
For more information visit the Ministry’s website: www.info.gov.fj
How you can contact the Ministry and its departments? Postal Address: PO Box 2225, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone: (679) 3301 806 Fax: (679) 3305 139 Email: [email protected]
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC UTILITIES (WATER AND ENERGY), WORKS AND TRANSPORT
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
The Ministry has a very important role since it is to do with developing and improving certain necessities such as water supply and electricity. The Public Works Department (PWD) plays a major role in carrying out most of these projects.
The Ministry is involved in the management of works and maintenance programmes associated with public buildings, roads bridges, airfields, jetties, water supplies, sewerage and rural electricity; and facilities owned by the Government.
When referring to “public buildings” this is when routine and urgent maintenance and rehabilitation and upgrading works is carried out to all public buildings owned by
94 95 Government, such as hospitals, parliament and government buildings and quarters. “Mechanical Services” are provided to all government departments, including operation and maintenance activities of the Plant Pool, supply of fuel and oil, maintenance of hospital boilers and air condition and elevator services.
THE MINISTRY FOR WORKS
The functions of the Works section of the ministry is to look after the following: • provision of advice, technical services, planning, design and construction of works projects for other Government Departments and Agencies; • management of works and maintenance programmes associated with public buildings, roads bridges, airfields, jetties, water supplies, sewerage and rural electricity; and • maintenance and operation of facilities owned by the Government.
The works department also looks after the roads and bridges.
How you can contact the Works departments? Postal Address: PO Box 2493, Government Buildings, Suva Phone: (679) 3384111 Fax: (679) 3383198
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
The Ministry of Transport specifically looks after the management of policy, administration and regulatory activities of all modes of transport. The main goal of the Ministry is to “provide an integrated transport system that is safe, efficient, affordable, accessible to all and environmentally sustainable”.
The Ministry of Transport amalgamates six (6) portfolios and these are: -
1. TRANSPORT PLANNING UNIT
The Transport Planning Unit (TPU) was established as a means to strengthen the capability of Government to better co-ordinate transport planning and monitor policy and developments in the transport sector and advice, strategic planning and co-ordination and investment programming assistance and the overall direction of its activities is guided by inputs from external reference groups comprising representatives of key stakeholders in the transport sector, primarily through National Transport Coordinating Committee (NTCC) and National Transport Consultative Forum (NTCF).
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Postal Address: Private Mail Bag, Suva Ph: (679) 3316876 Fax: (679) 3307839
2. LAND TRANSPORT DIVISION (LTD)
The Land Transport Division is primarily responsible for reviewing the Land Transport Act and the National Road Safety Act and to formulate corresponding regulations to enable the efficient performance of the Land TransportA uthority and the National Road Safety Council. The Unit also plays an advisory role to the Minister on Land Transport Policy related matters.
Postal Address: Private Mail Bag, Suva Ph: (679) 3316866 Fax: (679) 3316879
3. FIJI ISLANDS MARITIME SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (FIMSA)
The Department is responsible for all maritime matters within the waters of the Fiji Islands. It monitors international shipping within these waters and regulates inter-island shipping services in accordance with the requirements of the Marine Act 1986 and subsidiary Regulations. The Marine Act is based on International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions, and encompasses technical legislation(s). Regulations have been introduced under the provisions of the Marine Act.
Postal Address: P O Box 326, Suva Ph: (679) 3315266 Fax: (679) 3303251 Email: [email protected]
4. GOVERNMENT SHIPPING SERVICES (GSS)
The Department’s overall function is to promote and facilitate, in accordance with government policies and priorities, the national need of sea transportation. This is through the provision of shipping and marine navigational aids services, meeting Fiji’s obligation to international maritime conventions and the maritime community. In recognition of the inter-relationships between sea transportation and the wider economy, these services play an important role in the development of the urban, islands and coastal economies on a sustainable basis aimed at maximising the contribution of the respective sectors to the national economy, thereby improving the standards of living of all people throughout Fiji.
96 97 Postal Address: P O Box 2603, Government Buildings, Suva Ph: (679) 3314322 Fax: (679) 3312614 Email: [email protected]
5. FIJI METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES (FMS)
The Department of Meteorological Services is responsible for providing weather forecasting service for Fiji and most other Pacific Island States, marine and cyclone warning services on a wider regional scale, and aviation forecasting for the Nadi Flight Information Region (FIR). It also monitors Fiji’s climate, and provides information and advice on weather and climate of the nation. Being a leading meteorological service among the Pacific Island States, it has an increasing role to play in regional weather and climate matters, It hosts the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for Tropic Cyclones under the World Weather Watch (WWW) programmes of the World Meteorological organisation.
Postal Address: Private Mail Bag, Nadi Airport, Nadi Ph: (679) 6724888 Fax: (679) 6720430 Email: [email protected]
6. CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT (CAD) The Department of Civil Aviation is responsible for the economic regulation and control of civil aviation in Fiji. Its role is to formulate policies for the growth of efficient and effective international air services, establish international air services agreement with other countries to promote trade and tourism to develop and maintain domestic airports for the travelling public, to develop effective new generation civil aviation infrastructure and strengthen aviation security so as to meet Fiji’s obligations to the International Civil Organisation (ICAO) of which it is a member.
Postal Address: Private Mail Bag, Suva Ph: 3316866 Fax: 3315477 Email: [email protected]
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MINISTRY OF WOMEN, SOCIAL WELFARE AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
MINISTRY OF WOMEN, SOCIAL WELFARE AND HOUSING
The Ministry of Women is the primary advisor to Government on women and gender issues. The National Women’s Plan of Action (1999 – 2008) has been the guiding principle for the work undertaken by the ministry in addressing women’s needs, interests and aspirations economically, socially, legally and politically.
It ensures that women’s and gender concerns are involved in the planning process and all policy areas, which will include how women’s rights are protected by the law.
The Ministry encourages Micro-Enterprise Development for women, whereby women are able to set up small businesses in their community.
Also the Ministry would like to stop violence against women and recognise the important role women play in our traditional societies and for women to be regarded as equal.
The Ministy of Women’s policies are encompassed in the Women’s Plan of Action which covers five major areas of concern including:
• Mainstreaming Women’s and Gender Concerns • Women and the Law • Micro Enterprise Development • Balancing Gender in Decision- making • Violence Against Women and Children Also under the Ministry is the Social Welfare Department where people who are below the low- income level are provided some financial assistance.
Housing under this ministry mainly looks at trying to improve living standards and allocate and assist in housing the poor and below middle income wage earners.
The Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation promotes sound stable environment that is free from violence against women and children; and realising the cost involved in taking care of victims and survivors of such violence had undertaken a multisectoral approach to pursue the elimination of violence against women and children; and assist in the realisation of a society that is free from such violence.
98 99 Departments that belong to this ministry are: • Women; • Social Welfare; and • Poverty Eradication Unit.
How you can contact the Women’s department? Postal Address: PO Box 14068, Suva Phone: (679) 3312 681 Fax: (679) 3312 357 Email: [email protected] You can visit their website: www.women.fiji.gov.fj
SOCIAL WELFARE How you can contact the Social Welfare Department? Postal Address: PO Box 2127, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji. Phone: (679) 3315 754/ 3315 585 Fax: (679) 3305 110
SUMMARY As you notice there are a lot of Ministries and Ministers in our nation, which should indicate how large the size of our civil service is in Fiji, so you notice why a lot of money spent by government goes to the civil servants’ salaries.
The important aspect of this section is that you understood the roles of the Ministries and the type of services they provide which can benefit you and your community, such as scholarships, training, and development projects. Because the Ministries and public servants are to provide service to the people always feel free to contact a Ministry or Department near to you. But you must also be thinking about trying to develop your community to help itself and become self- sufficient.
Think about the resources you have around you and how you can use it in a lawful way to help Fiji’s economy and your community.
100 101 Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook SECTION 4:
STATUTORY BODIES & NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS
INTRODUCTION
In this section we look at the various statutory bodies and non- government organisations (NGOs) of Fiji. You will come to learn about their role and functions as well as the services they provide.
The information that is provided could be useful to you in a way that you would become more aware of how to access their services and programmes to assist you in certain projects you would like to implement in your area.
You will need to understand that NGOs are separate organisations and are not funded by government. On the other hand statutory bodies’ existence is established and controlled by the constitution.
The statutory bodies in Fiji have been established for the benefit of the general public and to also cater for a certain area of national importance. Non- government organisations are established to look after and raise matters concerning the “grassroots” and also set programmes or projects which are of national concern.
In this section we will look at: • Statutory Bodies; and • Non- Government Organisations.
100 101 STATUTORY BODIES OF FIJI
What is a Statute? A statute is a formal, written law of a country or state, which is written and enacted by its legislative authority, and accepted by the President and in part the Great Council of Chiefs. Typically, statutes command, prohibit, or declare policy.
In many countries, published statutes are organised in topical arrangements called codes, such as the Code of Conduct.
How does this lead to the creation of a Statutory Body? In Fiji’s case, statutory bodies came about from an international treaty or agreement that established an institution, such as the Fiji Human Rights Commission which was set up after Fiji approved or ratified the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” in 1995.
The existence of a “statutory body” is set up in passing an Act in parliament. Though the government provides funding for these statutory bodies they also receive funding from overseas organisations and governments.
What are the Statutory Bodies in Fiji? There are several statutory bodies that exist under the various Ministries. We will now go through the main statutory bodies of Fiji and briefly go over their services.The statutory bodies that are not included here are the town and city councils which ensure the rate- payers’ funds are used in upgrading or developing new facilities around the town and city boundaries.
The money also goes into other services like rubbish collection and cleaning of our streets and public gardens.
You must keep in mind that when the constitution goes through changes or as abrogated then all these statutory bodies will be affected.
FIJI HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The Fiji Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body that was established by the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands. It is responsible for playing a leading role in the protection and promotion of human rights for the people of Fiji and in helping build and strengthen a human rights culture in Fiji. Specifically it is mandated to educate the public about human rights, to make recommendations to the government about matters affecting human rights and to perform such other functions as passed by law in Parliament.
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The Fiji Human Rights Commission Act 1999 empowers the Commission to investigate allegations of human rights violations and to investigate unfair discrimination in employment. It is dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights for the people of Fiji. Listed below are some of the services which you have access to that the Commission is committed to offering, these are: • Resolutions of complaints of allegations of breaches of human rights or unfair practices; • Legal advice on human rights issues; • Reference access to the Human Rights publications and data; and • The provision of human rights awareness and knowledge catered for a wide range of audiences.
The Chairperson of the Commission is the Ombudsman and it is the Director who runs the Commission.
NATIVE LANDS TRUST BOARD OF FIJI
The Native Land Trust Board was established under the Native Land Trust Act of 1940. Its major role is to manage native land for the benefit of the indigenous landowner(s). As guardian of Fijian owned land, NLTB recognises its responsibility to the indigenous landowners and the nation to ensure that land and natural resources are used and managed in a wise and sustainable manner.
As landowners it is important to be honest and know what you are entitled to, that is why even though land records can be obtained from the National Archives, the NLTB does have records that are not for the public in case certain land and resource disputes go to court.
It comprises of the President of Fiji as president, the Minister for Fijian Affairs as chairman and a 10-member Board of Trustees. The Board may give some of its powers to the General Manager who with other officers carries out the Board’s plans and instructions.
You might have heard that native land comprises of either native reserve or non-reserve land. Reserve land has been specifically set aside for the use, maintenance or support of the indigenous landowner. Native land outside reserve may be dealt with by way of lease or licence. However, the Board must first satisfy itself that the land that is to be the subject of the lease will not be required by the indigenous landowner during the time of the lease.
102 103 Historical records show that Ratu Sukuna spent at least four years consulting the various indigenous landowning communities in Fiji before consensus was reached for the establishment of the Native Land Trust Board. Approval was first obtained from the various mataqali (clan) and yavusa (tribe) before it was endorsed by the respective provincial councils and the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs).
The Bose Levu Vakaturaga, the Fijian Affairs Board and the President appoint the trustees to the Board. As these institutions are the voices of the indigenous people, they singularly and collectively carry the mandate of the indigenous Fijian.
The trustees are responsible for the administration of native land on behalf of the native owner. In that regard, the trustee must see that the interest of the landowner is never compromised.
The trustee is the common voice of the indigenous landowner who is required to work in partnership with government in the development of Fiji. The Native Land Trust Board controls and administers about 84 per cent (84%) of the landmass in Fiji. Native land under its control encompasses kilometres of beachfront, flatlands, and every other landform of unlimited usage. The Board must ensure that any development over native land will bring the best economical return to the present and future landowner.
LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY
Everyone knows about the Land Transport Authority (LTA) when travelling by public or private transport. It was established under the Land Transport Act 1998 and was created to improve the management and operation of land transport services, and improving conditions for its workers.
LTA combined the operations of the former Transport Control Board (TCB), Central Traffic Authority (CTA) and Principal Licensing Authority (PLA) under the administrative arm of the Department of Road Transport to become a commercially oriented entity with strict accountability guidelines. This means that all workers need to report matters and collect money in an honest manner.
If you come across a dishonest worker you can always report them to their superior at the nearest LTA office.Y ou in no way must try to buy your way out of trouble. The LTA not only checks on vehicles and fines drivers, but they also conduct training and tests for drivers before issuing a license.
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The Land Transport Authority’s main functions are: • Set up standards for registration and licensing of vehicles and drivers; • Develop and put in place effective and well-organised enforcement strategies consistent with road safety and protection of the environment; • Develop traffic management strategies in conjunction with relevant authorities such as the Police and Public Works Department; • Develop and improve customer service levels in all areas of operations; and • Ensure equitable and affordable fare schedule for all Public Service Vehicles.
FIJI VISITORS’ BUREAU
You would know that Tourism contributes a lot to Fiji’s economy and also provides many jobs for people in rural areas. So in order to attract more tourists to our country the Fiji Visitors’ Bureau was established in 1978 under the Fiji Tourist Commission and Visitors Bureau Act. The Bureau encourages visits to Fiji by people from other countries to travel and holiday to and within Fiji. It promotes Fiji as a holiday resort and suggests improvement of facilities for visitors both internationally and locally.
You will note that for any place like Fiji visitors must have things to do and see. The FVB assists in identifying persons or groups who provide services as well as fun and interesting activities in Fiji.
But the key function of the FVB is to engage in or arrange for the publicity of Fiji by any appropriate means of communication. And to carry this out, they work closely with travel agents or wholesalers, transport operators and other appropriate organisations and the media to encourage people from other countries to visit Fiji.
The Bureau has also organised youth and cultural groups to showcase Fiji’s indigenous culture at trade shows overseas, such as USA, Australia, New Zealand and other places around the world.
The FVB has 4 Regional offices abroad in Sydney (Australia), Auckland (New Zealand), Los Angeles (USA) and Tokyo (Japan). You can visit their website: http://www.bulafiji.com
104 105 FIJI LAW REFORM COMMISSION
The Fiji Law Reform Commission is a body created by law to review and examine Fiji’s laws for the purpose of their reform and development. The Commission was established in 1979 under the Act of Parliament, (the Fiji Law Reform Commission Act). The main function of the Commission is to assist the Government of the day and the law makers (Parliament) by providing advice on the areas of law that need reform and by suggesting the manner in which those reforms might be put in place or implemented.
The Commission has advised on the changes in the Family Law, Bribery and Corruption Law and Wills and Succession Law. Under the Act the Commission has its aim to enforce the systematic review, reform and development of the laws of Fiji. The Commission role and duties include the codification of our laws; the elimination of anomalies in the laws; the repeal of outdated and unnecessary laws; the reduction of separate legislations; the making of new laws; the adoption of new or more effective and economical methods for the administration of the law and the dispensation of justice, and generally to simplify, improve and modernise the law.
The Commission receives instructions from the Attorney General and Cabinet for the review of areas of the law in urgent need of reform, before undertaking any review. Once instructions are received, in the form of Terms of Reference, the Commission produces a research paper (Issues or Discussion Paper) outlining the area of law under review and options for reform. This research paper can assist those who wish to make submissions during the consultation process
FIJI NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND
The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) was established in 1966 to provide financial security for workers when they retire at age 55. The FNPF also provides for permanent incapacity, and survivors’ benefit in the event of death. These are the three main pillar benefits of the FNPF. Its aim is to be Fiji’s foremost provider of social security and financial services to all its members.
Over the years the Fund has evolved into a comprehensive scheme that provides a number of pre-retirement benefits to members such as home ownership, healthcare, and education, and just recently you can use your funds to buy shares in certain companies.
The FNPF provides a special insurance cover in case of death, where the beneficiaries receive a special death benefit, in addition to the deceased’s contribution.
The FNPF covers all employees who are Fiji citizens. An employee is anyone who has attained the age of 16 years, and is employed under a contract of service, either individually, 106 107 Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook
or as a member of a group. A contract may be written or oral, expressed or implied. A worker has to be in employment for one day for contributions to be payable.
FNPF is also using funds to invest in major projects so that our money can get some return from profits made from these investments.
CONSUMER COUNCIL OF FIJI
The Consumer Council of Fiji comes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. And is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Consumer Council of Fiji Act of 1976 (Cap 235). The Act was amended in 1992 to enable the transfer of certain functions of the Council by the new Department of Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs established under the Fair Trading Decree, 1992.
The Consumer Council of Fiji is required to do such acts as it considers necessary to ensure that the interest of the consumers of goods and services are promoted and protected. The Consumer Council of Fiji is responsible in safeguarding the interests and welfare of consumers. There have been suggestions that all consumer protection legislation will be reviewed and revised since it is quite old.
Meanwhile Consumer Council continues to provide assistance to unfair eviction but it can only do so much with limited powers under the present laws. They also receive complaints on over- priced goods and services, and where goods sold are of poor quality. If you come across any unfair treatment or poor quality goods and service you have the right to report it to the Council.
NATIONAL TRUST OF FIJI
The National Trust of Fiji is a statutory organisation in Fiji devoted to conservation of public resources. The trust was created in 1970 under the National Trust of Fiji Act. Several key policy objectives of the Trust are:
• Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection; • Heritage Awareness; • Local Community Involvement; • Capacity Building; • Policy Frameworks for integration of heritage conservation into development policies; and • Partnerships.
106 107 It administers the country’s six national parks and various historical sites. The parks that it monitors are:
• Koroyanitu National Park, • Sigatoka Sandunes National Park, • Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve, • Bouma National Park, • Nausori Highlands, and • Lovoni Trail, Ovalau.
The National Trust’s main purposes are preservation of historic and natural resources; promotion and growth of the facilities to those resources; conservation of native flora (plants) and fauna (animals); and provision of access to the historic and natural resources or the public.
NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL
Many people get confused with the role of LTA with the role of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC). LTA is more involved in monitoring and licensing of vehicles, drivers and public transport operators. The NRSC is involved in trying to create and improve road safety. It was established through National Road Safety Council Act of 1994 with representation from key agencies having direct responsibility in improving safety for all road users, such as drivers and pedestrians. It commits itself to be the “watchdog” with regard to road safety in Fiji.
At one time or another we have heard about oratory competitions organised by the NRSC. They promote road safety through various campaigns country wide. But that is not their only responsibility. By working with other related organisations such as LTA, the Police, schools and business houses and road users, they hope to create safer roads, safer vehicles and safer drivers to prevent death and injury on Fiji’s roads.
They look at developing and recommending road safety research and measures which will lead to the improvement of road safety work in Fiji. That is by looking at the road signs and markings, providing training for defensive driving to prevent and reduce accidents on the roads. Post- accident care training, such as first- aid is also provided. However, the main responsibility lies with us to be careful on the roads when either driving on or walking along the road.
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NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF FIJI
The National Archives was established in 1954 as the Central Archives of Fiji and the Western Pacific High Commission. In July 1971, less than a year after Fiji gained Independence, the Central Archives of Fiji and the Western Pacific High Commission officially became the National Archives of Fiji.
The National Archives of Fiji is a department of the Ministry of Information and Communication. Its role is to make sure the public records such as land titles, newspaper articles, photographs, and maps are kept safe and preserved. These records are available to the Government for reference purposes and to members of the public. You can visit the archives, admission is free. There are charges for photocopying, photographic print-outs and certifying of documents.
NATIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
The National Fire Authority was established under the National Fire Services Act, of 1994 and came into being on 1 February 1995. The NFA’s main priority is the improvement of its services through the procurement of new fire fighting equipment; upgrading of firemen skills; and establishment of volunteer fire brigades.
The Authority operates under the direction of a Board of which the Permanent Secretary for Local Government and urban development is the chairperson.
The National Fire Authority has a mission to provide the best, most cost effective emergency service in partnership with the community. This means that people like you and me can volunteer to be fire fighters. Under the direction of the District Fire Officers, theA uthority maintains fire services in the Northern, Central/ Eastern and in the Western Division.
The National Fire Authority has stations around the country such as in Labasa, Seaqaqa, Nasinu, Lautoka, Levuka, Ba, Tavua, Nadi and Nausori. Their phone contacts can be found in the Telephone directory.
FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK
The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) used to depend on Government to finance its operations. An Act of Parliament formed the Fiji Development Bank on 1st July 1967 to finance projects that contribute to the development of the Fiji economy and to improve the quality of life for the people of Fiji. Loan funds are provided for agricultural, industrial and commercial projects. 108 109 The government also uses the FDB, as a financial instrument in its development projects, plans and special assistance programmes that may be necessary from time to time. Such an example was the Rotuman and Fijian affirmative action which encourages them to be involved in business.
FDB funds projects that carry some level of risk. However, the government supports such activities by reducing the interest rate, so that the Bank is not in danger of losing money when loans are given. It is important that when going into business you have done research on the market, to see whether it is profitable. Over the years FDB has introduced a range of loan packages and services to suit what the customer demands. At the same time, the FDB has the challenging task of matching its competitiveness level with that in the banking and finance sector. This means that its interest level is not high as the other banks.
Over the years, the Bank has played an important role in developing the various economic sectors of the country. They wish to be the leading development financing institution in Fiji and in the South Pacific.
FIJI ISLANDS REVENUE AND CUSTOMS AUTHORITY
The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA) was officially established on January 1st, 1999 in accordance with the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Act 1998. The Authority combined the former Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Departments under an independent statutory organisation with significant responsibility for: • Revenue collection such as collecting income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT); • Facilitation of trade by inspecting goods entering and leaving the country; and • Border protection, which is to do with ensuring no illegal vessels enter and carry out illegal activity.
There are two services in FIRCA which are “Customs Service” and “Inland Revenue Services”. FIRCA has improved revenue collection and is more independent and has improved efficiency, and provides for the introduction of a service and business oriented style of operation.
The laws of Fiji administered and enforced by the Authority include the Customs Act of 1986, Customs Tariff Act of 1986, Exercise Act of 1986,Gambling Turnover Tax Decree of 1991, Income Tax Act (Cap 201), Land Sales Act (Cap137), Merchandise Marks Act (Cap 241), Value Added Tax Decree 1991 and Wreck and Salvage Act (Cap 198).
It is now moving to focus on building greater cooperation between Fiji Islands Custom Service (FICS) and the Inland Revenue Services.
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It is also focusing on customer service with the implementation of the new integrated taxation system and the opening of the first customer service centre in Suva.
The Customs Service looks after goods and services entering and leaving the country as well as ensuring businesses and individuals follow the custom laws. It is a reason for its offices being located in the major ports of entry such as Suva, Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa, Levuka and Savusavu, and also where there are indusrtrial areas such as Kalabo.
The Inland Revenue is responsible for collecting income tax and VAT from workers and businesses. They are located in Suva and Lautoka. If you are employed or own a business you must fill in the tax forms. If you do not fill in your tax form you could be taken to court and be charged by paying a fine or being sent to prison.
NON- GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION
The term non-government organisation (NGO) is used in several different ways around the world. One common way to look defining a NGO is one that is not directly part of the structure of government.
Many NGOs are also non-profit organisations meaning they do not operate like a business to make money but may be funded by private donations, by international organisations, by government itself or some combination of these. Some NGOs remain strictly apolitical and do not confront the government but help people, while others exist solely to highlight to government the important social, economic, political and environmental issues in the interests of their own members and to ensure accountability and transparency.
There are many NGOs found in Fiji and in this part of the section you will come across organisations such as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which is the world’s largest humanitarian NGO. Most NGOs do rely on volunteer work due to funding.
The phrase “non-governmental organisation” came into use with the establishment of the United Nations Organisation in 1945 with provisions in Article 71 of Chapter 10 of the United Nations Charter for a consultative role for organisations that are neither governments nor member states.
Many problems could not be solved within a nation by the government and several international agreements. And international organisations were thought of as being too focused on the interests of capitalist enterprises, trying to make profits and abuse available natural resources. On the other hand NGOs have developed to emphasise humanitarian issues, developmental aid and sustainable development. We have seen how HIV/ AIDS awareness was lobbied by the NGOs and we finally see government becoming more serious about this deadly disease here in Fiji. 110 111 Due to the fact that there are so many NGOs in Fiji, we will highlight most international NGOs as well as several local significant NGOs that have played an important part in Fiji’s development. Remember NGOs are not just “watchdogs” for the outside world but are to help create awareness on local issues and improve the living standards and way of life of the people.
AIDS TASK FORCE OF FIJI
This NGO is also known as ATFF and was formed in Fiji in 1994 by a group of people concerned about the effect HIV/AIDS could have on Fiji’s population. It ran peer-education programs targeting sexually active young people and sex- workers.
Over the years it had established a good reputation among a wide variety of groups, such as the military, women’s groups, research institutions and international agencies. Peer educators from Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Nauru have been trained in outreach work, interpersonal skills, AIDS issues and other essential subjects.
The Task Force has set up a user-friendly reproductive/ sexual- health clinic, which you can visit to get a blood test or health check.
FIJI COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES
This NGO aims at creating a society where members care for each other and particularly those who are less fortunate than themselves, where diversity is celebrated, where self sufficiency is promoted and where life long learning is upheld.
FCOSS is a body celebrating cultural diversity, work to sustain itself, as a vibrant organisation. It exists to provide a focal point for Fiji’s Civil Society Organisation and supports people centred development initiatives of the community, fostering strength and self sufficiency of local organisations. Their main activities are: • Promoting education for all through the Forum on Education. • To strengthen rural women networks in every district in Fiji. • To develop and promote relevant programmes that will advance the economic empowerment of rural women in order to reduce poverty in rural families.
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FIJI WOMEN’S CRISIS CENTRE
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) is an NGO that provides crisis counselling and legal, medical and other practical support services for women and children who are sufferers and survivors of violence committed against them by men.
The FWCC is also involved in public advocacy and community education on gender violence. The Centre’s strategies are based on the belief that violence against women is a basic human rights and development issue. The Centre’s work addresses all forms of violence against women including rape, beating, sexual harassment and abuse of children.
FWCC is a respected professional organisation. It was established in 1984 and has succeeded in influencing public opinion in Fiji such that most sectors of society recognise and support the need for emergency services and ongoing support for women who are subjected to any form of violence.
Over the past years the FWCC has done pioneering work to document, analyse and support the development of practical programs and services to deal with the problem of violence in contemporary Pacific society. The FWCC is well known and respected in international circles and its work is enhanced by participation in global networks of women working against violence.
You can become a volunteer with the FWCC and help support them in their campaign.
FOUNDATION OF THE PEOPLES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL
FSPI is a network of South Pacific island non-governmental organisations and overseas affiliates working in partnership across the South Pacific.
The main function of the FSPI Secretariat is to coordinate the planning and design of regional development projects, based on the needs identified by the members and their constituencies.
The FSPI Network is an independent group of like-minded NGOs who work at the grassroots level in nine Pacific countries. In addition, FSPI has three metropolitan partners:A ustralian Foundation of the Peoples of Asia and the Pacific (AFAP), Just World Partners (JWP) and Counterpart International, USA who offer a range of project services that extend beyond the Pacific.
112 113 The community work undertaken by FSPI affiliates varies from country to country and from sector to sector. Community development remains the core business of our network, which includes various types of awareness programs and advocacy work. As a network, FSPI is committed to increasing stability and reducing poverty throughout the region.
Our work at the FSPI Secretariat is derived from needs identified by our affiliates and their constituencies. Each affiliate has a representative on the FSPI Board of Management, which meets annually and appoints an Executive Committee to oversee the functions of the FSPI Secretariat.
FSPI is now the largest, most experienced secular civil society network in the Pacific with affiliates in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, East Timor, United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.
GREENPEACE FIJI
Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organisation that uses non-violent direct action to expose global environmental problems and to force solutions that are important to a green and peaceful future.
Greenpeace’s goal is to ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity. Greenpeace is a global organisation that has a presence in more than 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
The Greenpeace Australia Pacific office works across a wide geographical region with offices in Sydney, Canberra, Suva and Port Moresby.
A lot of their campaigning work also takes place on their ships, which are constantly sailing the world to bear witness to environmental destruction, and take non-violent direct action against those who pollute and devastate our fragile ecosystem.
LIVE AND LEARN FIJI
Live & Learn is a non-government organisation, which promotes greater understanding and action toward human and environmental sustainability through education and discussion.
The aim of the organisation is: • Develop and implement projects and programs for teachers, schools, communities and other target groups in the field of environmental and development education; • Encourage individual and community attitudes, values and actions that are ethical and environmentally sustainable;
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• Share knowledge, skills, learning experiences and resources with others for the benefit of the physical and human environment; • Promote the integration of environmental, human, cultural and peace concepts in all education projects and programs.
PRISON FELLOWSHIP OF FIJI
Prison Fellowship International (PFI) is the global association of national Prison Fellowship (PF) organisations. The mission of Prison Fellowship is to mobilise and assist the Christian community in its ministry to prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims, and their families, and in the advancement of restorative justice. To be a reconciling community of restoration for all those involved in and affected by crime, thereby proclaiming and demonstrating the redemptive power and transforming love of Jesus Christ for all people.
PF national organisations are committed to working closely in support of prison chaplaincy and assisting the work of the church behind bars. PF’s range of creative outreach includes personal visitation, in-prison seminars, Bible studies, musical concerts, special cultural events, provision of literature for libraries, radio broadcasts, art competitions, sporting events, mentoring, literacy tutoring, short term medical services, and a variety of projects designed to improve the quality of life in prison. In addition to assisting needy ex-prisoners with the practical challenges of re-entry into the community, a number of national PF organisations operate intensive “aftercare” programmes including residential support. PF volunteers are engaged in helping families cope with the imprisonment of a loved one.
FIJI RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT
The Fiji Red Cross Society was established in 1954 as a branch of the British Red Cross and it was recognised as an independent National Society in 1973. The Society is officially recognised by the government as a voluntary relief organisation, an auxiliary to public authorities and as the only Red Cross Society in Fiji. It is the most widely. recognised and respected humanitarian organisation in the country.
The Society has a National Council, a National Board, a National Office in Suva and 15 active branches throughout Fiji, covering 80% of the country. The Branches function primarily as relief operators and as a network system for implementing and promoting various programmes and services within their communities.
There are approximately 5000 volunteers who can be mobilised during times of emergencies. There are four categories of membership in the FRCS; active, friends, corporate and honorary.
114 115 Depending on capacity, FRCS fills the gaps where they can by providing services and programmes: • immediate response to victims of disaster; • First Aid services to participants and spectators at events; • protecting and promoting human dignity of HIV/ AIDS sufferers; • poverty alleviation projects; • water safety and swimming lessons; • promoting safety in homes and offices; • looking after physically and mentally challenged people; and • recruiting blood and saving lives.
The Red Cross is all about PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE – people, like each one of us, through the ups and downs of life, crises that come our way, the hurt and the pain.
WORLD WILDLIFE FOUNDATION FIJI
The World Wildlife Foundation South Pacific Programme Office (WWF SPPO) is a nongovernmental conservation organisation serving the Pacific Island countries. The programme was established in 1990 as part of WWF’s endeavour to work effectively and appropriately locally in the region.
The programme is managed from a regional base in Suva, Fiji and organises a strategic series of conservation field projects, policy reviews and campaigns in different Pacific Island countries on behalf of the WWF network. As well as the Regional Secretariat in Suva, Country programme offices have been established in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
WWF has been working since 1990 with the governments and peoples of the Pacific on conservation and natural resource management programmes and projects.
FEW MORE NGOs IN BRIEF
FIJI WOMEN’S RIGHTS MOVEMENT
The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement was formed in 1986 by a group of women who believed that changes can happen if the law treats women and men equally. It was therefore very important that a group be established to primarily lobby for law reforms.
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FEMLINK
FemLINK publishes regular broadsheets on issues such as UN Security Council Resolution 1325; and conducts media workshops for women. In July 2004, femTALK broadcast its second women and peace hour on 89.2FM, a mobile women’s community radio project, under the slogan “providing airtime for Women and Peace.”FemLINK, Media Initiatives for Women,
ECUMENICAL CENTRE FOR RESEARCH , EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY (ECREA )
ECREA was founded in1990, works for peace and justice through programs such as Economic and Social Justice; Social empowerment and education; Gender and Peace.
ECREA’s Creating a Culture of Peace: A Training Manual for Pacific Peace Builders is an important tool for trainers.
PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FIJI (PCDF)
It was set up in 1978 and began its operation with a focus on nutrition. The organisation has steadily grown and today its projects includes health and community awareness, the sustainable management of marine and forest resources, small-business development, disaster relief, human rights and good governance.
PCDF has a skilled group of community outreach workers and technical experts who utilise participatory tools in their community work throughout Fiji.
FRIEND Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises ‘N’ Development (FRIEND) is an NGO working towards poverty alleviation. It encourages people to use their talents, build on their skills and use existing resources to be able to earn a living.
FRIEND programme includes Friend’s Save Scheme (a rural banking scheme) and Governance and Income Generation Program (IGPs). There is also a pilot project on restorative justice with the prison inmates.
One project involves teaching painting and card making to the deaf youths. The objective of the Friend’s Fiji Style ™ deaf handmade card project is to create employment for unemployed deaf community members and ultimately to create a sustainable micro enterprise for the deaf community. (“TM” stands for Trade Mark).
116 117 The head office is based in the city of Lautoka, with volunteers from many parts of Fiji.
SUMMARY
The NGOs and statutory bodies certainly play an important role. We hope you are able to note the difference between an NGO and statutory body.
Though NGOs may work with the government in assisting in certain areas they certainly do operate independently without any government influence.
This is so that the issues the NGOs try to advocate or highlight are not tampered by government. As for statutory bodies they are organisations which have been created and written into the constitution. These institutions or organisations are funded by the government as well as by overseas donors. They play a significant role in carrying out duties that are given in law to follow, such as looking after the natural resources, the interests of the indigenous people and our basic rights.
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