HON. J. KALOU.- Finally, for Lomaiviti, Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is pleasing to note Government's plan for the Narocake Pine Scheme in Gau for the villagers of Lovu, Vadravadra and Yadua, but, it is also important to note that this only represents a small proportion of potential land for re-afforestation.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, may I go now to the environment and preface my comments from Psalm 24:1:

"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the World, and they that dwell therein."

Mr, Speaker, initially on my trip to Rio as Minister of State for the Government, I was pleasantly surprised at the fact that the whole world has come to realise the truth of Psalm 24:1. There is another Bible quotation which says that "God created man in his own image". It is therefore important that in our quest, Mr. Speaker, for affluence and better living through our development plans, that we do not lose sight of the damage that we do to God's creation. We are supposed to represent God in our dealings and if the environment is treated as such then Fiji has a better future to look ahead to,

I am pleased to be standing here today, Mr. Speaker, as Fiji's first political appointment in the environment arena. It is, as I am sure you are all aware, a topic which is very much on the worlds' agenda as indeed as it should be. Perhaps as a reflection of global concerns, there has been increasing awareness in Fiji at both governmental and community levels that our spoken and policy commitment to the environment must be transformed into positive action. Not only are we faced with our old national issues which I will outline shortly, but also with major issues and problems which affect the world at large including climate change and sea level rise, disposal of hazardous wastes and management of transnational resources such as migratory commercial free species. To paraphrase the words of the United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director on World Environment Day this year, he said "No nation, no matter how powerful can isolate itself from global environmental issues."

We, Mr. Speaker, as a nation of scattered islands within 1.3 million square miles of ocean, need to pay particular attention to both external issues and our own existing and emerging environmental concerns. In preparing myself to undertake the responsibilities of this portfolio, I have reviewed our recent historical approach to the environment, particularly in terms of policy. I have discovered that, in fact, national commitment to handling environmental issues in a positive manner go back a long way at least on paper.

It is interesting that more than 20 years ago, Development Plan 6 had some pertinent observations on a number of national resource issues, for example on Agriculture. The Plan states that "it is in the national interest that arrangements for the use and occupation of the limited agricultural lands of Fiji be designed to preserve and develop their productivity, to guard against erosion and to encourage working them in such a manner that productivity increases rather than falls." Under Forestry, the Plan quotes "to protect and develop natural vegetation where its retention is necessary for climatic reasons, for the conservation of resources of soil and water necessary for good agriculture, and to ensure adequate and continuous supply of forest projects."

With Tourism becoming an important industry the amenities provided by forest and trees should be developed as a tourist attraction as well as catering for the local population.

Under Fisheries, the Plan states that marine pollution is becoming a serious problem and one of the increasing concerns is with regard to its effect on fisheries resources. It is intended to study the effects of pollutants discharged from ships, the disposal of noxious chemicals, sewage, rubbish and other urban industrial wastes. It is indeed a pity ,Mr. Speaker, that we did not take heed of our own advice 20 years ago. Perhaps some of the problems that we are now facing could have been averted or at least minimised. While I do not want to dwell upon the past, there is an important lesson to be learnt; words whether spoken or written come cheap. The challenge is to effectively deal with identified issues in an active and practical manner. That, as Minister of State for the Environment, is exactly what I intend to do.

In my position, I had inherited a function of Government, which as I have pointed out received our attention in the form of policy commitment for some time. However, at the level of practical implementation, Government input has been minimum, although establishment of an administrative function of Environmental Management Unit was approved in 1982. It was not established until 1989. Even now, three years' later, the Unit is staffed by only two professionals, only one is a local. With such limited resources this Unit has faced an almost impossible task of deaiing with the country's environmental concern. However, having said that, I do commend the initiative of the Interim Government in actually taking concrete action in not only establishing the Unit, but also in agreeing to the preparation of the National Environment Strategy for Fiji through an Asian Development Bank Technical Assistance.

The strategy itself is nearing completion and will be available as a draft at the end of a month. However, an important phase of the project assessment of the state of the national environment has already been completed and published. Some of you may have already received a copy of this informative report. For those who may not, I have copies to distribute to Members. I urge you all to read this valuable document and to take heed of its clear message.

In many areas, we have reason to be very concerned about the way we are using and abusing our environmental resources. Some of you may ask, why should we be concerned? I refer you to the concluding word of the honourable Ratu Ovini Bokini in his forward to the report. I quote -

"It is time that we remember that our environmental resources are not commodities to be used and disposed of as we please. They have been passed on to us in trust to be managed wisely and conservatively, so that we in turn can pass their benefits on to future generations. That we should do this is both a responsibility and an obligation."

It is clear Mr. Speaker, that while Fiji is a fortunate country in terms of its natural resources, climate and slow population growth rate, relative to many other countries of the world, particularly the smaller Pacific Island countries. There are some major issues which need to be addressed, if we are to develop on a sustainable basis. Let me be specific on some critical issues.

Fiji's population in 1986 had a modest density of 39.1 persons per square kilometre, but this average figure conceals extenuated densities of 170 persons per square kilometre of arable land - one of our most important resources. Furthermore, our urban population is increasing and in the next twenty years if the trend continues, we may be faced with the change from a predominantly rural residential iifestyle to an urban one. This has profound implications for the social and physical environment as increasing demands will be placed on such factors as the availability of land for housing, drinking water, waste disposal and provision of food resources; especially agricultural production.

Mr. Speaker, we are already facing some of these problems. We are already subject from time to time to the natural disasters of hurricanes, floods, landslides and earthquakes. The predicted sea levels rise associated with global warming, even at minimum level and it would have profound consequences for Fiji's coastal zone where most of our urban centres, agricultural and industrial developments are concentrated.

The land area of Fiji is about 18,300 square kilometres. Of these, only about 3,500 square kilometre or 19 per cent is prime arable land. A further 11 per cent is capable of being productive with minor improvements. However, nearly 70 per cent of our land area requires either intensive land management or is unsuitable for use. Virtually all of our first class arable land has already been used and there are disturbing signs of increasing agricultural production, if I can call it, like that on marginal hill areas and steep land. Some agricultural perches, such as steep land sugarcane and ginger production are not sustainable - dramatically increased natural erosion rates are already high and are responsible for appreciable areas of land going out of production annually. These result in loss of top soil and sedimentation of rivers and stream's.

A recent report has estimated that total sale loss from ginger growing areas in the Rewa catchment could be up to 207,000 tons per year; from only 0.2 per cent of the total area of the catchment and 3.4 per cent of the area of commercial agricultural land. Not only are we losing the valuable top soil, Mr. Speaker, but we pay dearly every year for the off-sight impacts of poor agricultural and other landuse practices in our catchments; practices which add considerably to already high rates of sedimentation in our rivers.

Between 1986 and 1991, the Government spent $16 million on river dredging. The question must be asked: has the dredging been effective and could it be avoided or reduced by better land practices in our catchments. Since the mid 1960s, an estimated 31 to 16 per cent of the nation's forest have been converted to non-forest land use. These figures are not severe as to cause immediate concern about the disappearance of forests in Fiji. However, there is a major imbalance in the distribution of loss of forest types with the drier low land forests of the larger islands and those of the smaller islands having suffered major losses.

Although logging in itself is not considered to be the major cause of this loss, it is the lack of post-logging management and land-use planning which has played a major role in the continuing decline of our resources. With respect to logging itself, it has caused a great deal of avoidable environmental damage, not only in natural forests but also in pine plantations. This has resulted in severe impacts on water catchments, such as the catchment for the Ba Town Water Supply a result of soil erosion.

Turning to pollution, this is a problem which unfortunately is increasing in many areas of our lives, just as disposal and management of garbage dumps is a national dilemma which requires a firm new initiative. Not a single local authority refuse dump is managed to acceptable standards. With the already expressed view of the honourable Member from Namosi towards provision of a new site for land fill operation, a programme is further compounded. With potential available in the current Government and in particular the honourable Minister for Housing and indeed the other Ministers of Cabinet, I am confident that a solution will be found soon.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, 1 iook forward to the honourable Minister's contribution in this area as this subject matter lies within his portfolio.

Fiji has no hazardous waste site for management infrastructure even though there are hazardous chemicals and materials in common use. Unrestricted dumping of" such waste will require very costly clean-ups in future years. Walu Bay is one such area where materials such as lead batteries and anti-following paint have been dumped indiscriminately into the sea. A recent study has shown that TBT levels in the south-east of Walu Bay amount to the highest ever recorded in the world. Unless firm action is taken, we may eventually find the pollution levels of Walu Bay publicised in the international media, in the same manner as those recently in Pagopago harbour in American Samoa.

Of particular concern is the lack of serious data on the types and extent of population present. There are no national population or water quality standards and no usable pollution legislation except in the area of vehicle emissions. On this point, it is obvious to everyone who walks and drives on our streets and roads that we have a major vehicle pollution problem.

The United Nations Environmental Programme has expressed major concern about pollution from diesel engines. It states that petrol and diesel engines exhaust emission are both metagenic and carcinogenic. There is now more anxiety over the cancer causing properties of diesel exhausts because the risk is comparable to those of human exposure to other carcinogens such as coke ovens, increasing numbers of such vehicles will intensify urban air pollution and contribute to increases in respiratory sickness.

Mr Speaker, Sir, because of the time ImiiUition that I have, 1 will summarise what is left to be discussed on environment as best as 1 can. While 1 do not want to pre-empt the outcome of national environment strategy, I wish to give notice on ten issues which I will be pursuing as a matter of priority, namely:

(1) Establishment of ineffective administrative functions for environmental planning and management initially in the form of a department for environment.

(2) Establishment of a high level national environmental council to guide and co- ordinate national decision making on the environment and development issues

Mr. Speaker, Sir, unless land issue is resolved very soon, this country will face an uncertain future. Thirteen thousand six hundred cane growers out of just less than 22,000 are farming on native land lease. These leases begin to expire in 1996. Another 4,100 growers farm on Crown land and many of these leases will expire in the near future.

The future of these farmers is at stake here. They need some direction now as a matter of urgency. The sugar industry is the backbone of our national economy. If the farmers lose confidence, this vital industry will suffer. The whole economy will then be under threat.

Sir, we are talking about human lives, about the families who help keep Fiji afloat in the modern world. Sir, they need the assurance of an elected government. They need to know that this Government is going to give them fair and just consideration. The President, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, has given a lead in his Address to Parliament. He said that the land issue will be looked into by the new Government. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we need to put the machinery for this review into place as soon as possible. I regard this as a matter of highest urgency for the sake of the nation.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, another matter of concern is increase in land rents. In the past five years, rent on farming land has risen, in some cases over 300 per cent. Sir, these increases are made without consultation or reference to the grower or his level of income. Such massive increases are not only unfair; they discourage the farmers, they affect his ability to maintain and increase production. They are a crushing burden on our ordinary farmers who are already hard-pressed, especially now under the new burden of VAT.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, you may not realise that some 70 per ceni of growers are aiready under the crushing burden of debt. This debt is not caused by petty aspirations for material goods like stereos, videos, new cars and flash houses. Sir, these debts are essential for the farmer to continue to produce his cane. The money is used for fertilizers, farm machinery and the roads on which he depends to get his production to the mill. Sir, the idea of the wealthy cane farmer is just a fairy tale. Ninety-six per cent of our Fiji cane farmers earn less than $7,000 a year. From this, he takes care of all his expenses for his farm and families, he also services his loans, he repays his debts and now he also pays VAT.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we cannot continue to impose land rents which fail to take into account the farmer's ability to pay. The rent must also be fair to the grower. If you squeeze the farmers of the land by running them into impossible debts, not only will his family suffer and become a burden to our community, the whole nation will suffer when production fails.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I now turn my attention to the problems of the Tavua/Ra West constituency. As you realise, the present Constitution has forced us into racial groups, it has forced us to vote on racial lines. Sir, we, the Labour Party, refuse to accept this. When I speak I will talk on behalf of everyone - Indians, Fijians and all others. I intend to do my utmost for every citizen of this nation and not just the Indians, just because I am an Indian.

Sir, there are many major issues, but there is one more urgent than the rest and that is the matter of a mortuary for Tavua Hospital. Sir, the people of my constituency, although not wealthy, are fundraising to pay for a much needed mortuary. They have already collected $20,000, this is one-third of the estimated cost of the mortuary building. Sir, surely they deserve some assistance to make this urgently needed facility a reality, and soon.

At present, grieving families are forced to travel to Ba or Lautoka with the bodies of their loved ones. In the rainy season it is difficult, to travel and sometimes bodies have decayed at Tavua Hospital before they can be moved. This adds unnecessary grief. Sir, in the scheme of things, this is not a large project, but it would mean a great deal in human terms if the Government would take up the project. I earnestly ask for provision to be made in the forthcoming Budget to build this mortuary for the people of Tavua.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, most people know that Tavua is the driest part of this country. People living in Suva may not know what this means. But for the people in my constituency, the people of Balata, Koro No. 1 arid 2, Dreumasi, Davoia, Rabulu and Malele and Viti Vanua - their wells have dried up. They have to walk a long distance looking for river water to carry back to their homes.

Sir, not many are able to get water trucked in. This is the water they need for drinking, watering their animals and for keeping their gardens alive. The rural water supply scheme needs to be urgently extended to these hard-pressed areas.

Sir, this situation is not going to get any better on its own. We are faced with all sorts of problems caused by changes in the weather, we have to take care of the people who are suffering now. Sir, one of the basic human rights, according to the United Nations, is for all people to have access to a clean water supply. The Government must not ignore this most basic right.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, a similar pressing matter of basic necessities is the need to extend rural electricity supply to Balata No.2, Viti Vanua, Rabulu, Waikubukubu Koro and Namau. Sir, in some places people have to pay up to $2,000 to get electricity connected to their homes. People in urban areas may not realise the extent of this cost because they get their supply connected virtually free of charge. But this is a huge amount for ordinary farmers and Fijian villagers. Sir, we plead for this cost to be reduced or at least shared more evenly with the electricity consumers.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, could 1 draw the attention of the new Minister for Urban Development and Housing to the pressing matters of Tavua Town. While it has been declared a town, nothing has been done. Sir, we call on the Minister to hold local government elections with all possible speed. Now we have an elected Government, the people of Tavua want an elected local government.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have problems, responsible Tavua citizens are ready to take on. Work is overdue on town roads, footpaths, drainage, street lights, and most importantly, a sewerage system. We are not talking about luxuries, but basic matter of health.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, education is of vital concern to us all here today. To the 2,500 people of Malele, it is a most urgent matter. Sir, their children have to travel 18 kilometres to Balata Primary School; these are little children as young as six years old and they spend hours on the

At this point, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to associate myself too with the various tributes paid to the former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Katu Sir Kamisese Mara. However, I am saddened, Sir, that whilst most members of the Government bench have sung praises to Ratu Sir Kamisese's great contribution, no mention has been made by the honourable Members of the Opposition. I say, let us give praise where praise is due irrespective of which side of the House we belong to, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Ratu Sir Kamisese, we all know, was Chief Minister during the colonial era and took this country to independence. Without Ratu Sir Kamisese's wisdom and leadership, Fiji would have experienced a post-Independence turbulence period or worse still, Fiji would not have become independent when it did, because of the unrelenting demand of half of the population to have common roll and the reluctance of the other half of the populace to accept Independence when it might mean loss of control of what they considered theirs. This fear of losing control of what half of the populace thought was theirs, resurfaced in 1987 and led to the coup.

The 1987 Constitution was a compromise between what the Fijians wanted and the common roll. Ratu Sir Kamisese was its main architect. I recollect that it was only intended as an interim measure and if my recollection serves me right, the Fijians and General Electors accepted it as the best solution to the dilemma confronting Fiji's multiracial society. The majority of the Indian population saw it then as only an interim measure to the achievement of common roil in Fiji,

I think it was only after the 1977 General Elections that the 1970 Constitution came to be generally accepted and the issue of the common roll forgotten. Yet, to hear the speakers from the other side of the House harp on about the 1970 Constitution, one would have thought the 1970 Constitution was always seen by them as a perfect instrument when in fact, many saw it as cumbersome and divisive.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have digressed to make my point that Ratu Sir Kamisese's role in the 1970 Constitution alone, should have earned him some form of tribute from the Opposition side. In addition, of course, Ratu Sir Kamisese has been the elected Prime Minister of this country for 17 years plus five years as the Interim Prime Minister. He has taken us through good and bad times. He has been a Member of this honourable House from Legislative Council days to 14th May, 1987, when this honourable House last met. This is the first time he is going to be out of this House. Mr. Speaker, Sir, 1 would therefore like to strongly support the recommendation or the suggestion made by the honourable General Member for Ba/Nadroga and Navosa (D.S. Pickering), that due honour should be given to Ratu Sir Kamisese in this complex to commemorate the sterling service he has dedicated to Fiji and its people.

Mr, Speaker, Sir, may I also join other speakers in congratulating you for your elevation to the high post of Speaker of this honourable House. May you be further blessed with wisdom, patience and tolerance to enable you to steer this honourable House through the coming five-year period.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I, too, would like to sincerely thank the architect and builders of this magnificent complex; the architect 1 might add is a son of Lomaiviti. HON. MS T.M. VAKATALE.- This leads me, Mr. Speaker, Sir, to thank the chiefs and the people of Lomaiviti for encouraging me to stand and for having confidence in me by electing me to this House. I am sure there is no need for me to reassure them that while my first priority and loyalty as Minister is to serve the national interest, at the same time, I will not neglect my constituency in the process.

Mr, Speaker, Sir, the Lomaiviti Fijian National constituency is made up of eight islands. The Deputy Prime Minister and Fijian Member for Lau has outlined in detail the implications of coming from an island. My own kaivata (Fellow countryman), the honourable Minister of State for Environment has also given a very graphic description of what my province constitutes. It means beautiful beaches and coral reefs often romanticised by travellers, but what is missing is that they often lack fresh water, basic needs of transport and communication. It means isolation, smallness and lacking generally in resources.

Lomaiviti is fraught with many problems but you will not hear us whine about them simply because we are right in the centre and we do not appear to have the extremes of one thing or the other,

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was thus delighted to note that in His Excellency's Address, he referred to the provision of a regular shipping service to islands which are not regularly serviced by commercial shipping. This should help Nairai and more especially the island of Batiki where I come from. Batiki is the smallest island in the group, surrounded by coral reefs with no opening at all or passage for boats which call in at two monthly intervals if they are lucky. Often, the people of Batiki and Nairai use punts, fishing launches or fibre-glass boats to take them to Levuka or Suva.

1 have also noted with hope the confirmation by the Minister for Civil Aviation of what His Excellency said about improvements of domestic air services to the islands. I too, Mr. Speaker, Sir, like the honourable Fijian Member for Lau (Ratu F.A.L. Mara), would like to remind the Minister not to forget that while some islands may be too small to have an airport, they have calm lagoons for sea-plane landings; my own island is such a case.

I also note with delight that the improvement of domestic air services will indude the upgrading of Fiji's airports and the improvement of safety standards in those airports. Lomaiviti has three domestic airports, Bureta on Ovalau being among one of the busiest in the country.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, may I now turn to roads and jetties in my constituency. Rather than belabour the issue which has been highlighted by the General Member for Lomaiviti, the Minister of State for Telecommunications, and the Minister of State for Environment, I want to highlight the shocking road conditions on Ovalau, inspite of the fact that the road from Buresala to Levuka Town is used daily by large container trucks transporting fish for export. The Pacific Shipping Company (PAFCO) in Levuka is worth $47.04 million in revenue to Fiji in 1991. I simply wish to remind the Minister responsible that perhaps it is time some of that money is ploughed back into upgrading the road that transport the containers. One side of the island of Ovalau is hardly used by vehicles because of the poor conditions of the road. On the island of Gau, Mr. Speaker, Sir, the road is so bad in some places that the locals have appropriately called the road 'Nasilai'. For those honourable Members who have sailed out of Suva Harbour, you will fully appreciate what that means, rather like riding bareback on a bronco horse. In fact, the local women on Gau Island have nicknamed it with rather graphic description; all the rides on Gau Island roads have been termed as cavuka na bote.

On the island of Koro, the jetty was destroyed by some past hurricane and has remained in disrepair since. While there are regular ferry services to Koro, the vehicles on the island cannot be brought into Suva or Levuka for servicing. It has been impossible to maintain the roads on each of these three islands, Gau, Ovalau and Koro, because there are no machines on any of the islands to do the work. I am therefore most grateful to His Excellency for his promise that roads will be upgraded and/or maintained and jetties built. I can only keep my fingers crossed that the Koro jetty will be one such jetty and that at least the existing roads, especially on Ovalau and Gau will be maintained, if not, upgraded.

Like the small islands in the Lau Group, the islands of Lomaiviti are always short of water but they never ask for assistance because they do not feel economically important enough to ask. I am grateful therefore to the Government that, improvement of water supplies in the rural areas will be amongst its major priorities for the rest of this year and next. I am happy to inform this honourable House, Mr. Speaker, Sir, that a Government team has already carried out surveys in the last three weeks on two of the small islands in Lomaiviti, that is, Batiki and Moturiki. Once sources have been identified as suitable, the people are ready and waiting to put in their shares to the cost of the project.

The main source of income for the people of Lomaiviti, especially those offshore to Ovalau, is copra. 1 am grateful therefore that His Excellency in his Address has highlighted the need for Government to do something about copra.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was amused listening to many of the complaints in the past weeks regarding conditions in many of the rural areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Some honourable Members on both sides of the House, 1 might add, referred to poor road conditions, lack of electricity, running water, nursing stations, et cetera. At least, Mr. Speaker, Sir, they have some semblance of the road they can complain about; they have electricity power source to start off with; they have a river or water supply source they can wash in; they are within walking distance of health clinics/hospitals they can take their sick to. Some of the islands in Lomaiviti, Lau and Kadavu do not have the luxury of even a poor road. They do not have any source of water at all except rain water; they must depend on the one nurse for all their health needs and when an accident occurs, there is no telephone, no means of transport and they simply give first aid, wait and hope for the best.

Is it any wonder then that the people of Lomaiviti, Lau and Kadavu flock to Suva and other urban centres to seek perhaps not a better life, but an easier life. I am thus grateful, Mr. Speaker, Sir that throughout His Excellency's Address, reference was made by him either directly or indirectly to the improvement of all aspects of rural life in general. One of the strengths we have in Lomaiviti is its human resources. Our youths are amongst the most cohesive youth groups in the whole country.

HON. GOVERNMENT MEMBERS.- Vinaka, V'makat

HON. MS T.M. VAKATALE.- The Lomaiviti Rugby Club has been playing continuously in Suva since the late 1940s when I was a little girl; the Lomaiviti Netball/Basketball teams have been playing continuously for the last two decades; we have a choir that is amongst the very best in the country and has been in existence for over 40 years; the beautiful architectural work you see in this complex is the work of one of Lomaiviti's young sons. What we would therefore like to see is for Government to harness and to exploit the talents and the enthusiasm of our young people in Lomaiviti and direct or channel it to more productive pursuits.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Lomaiviti Youth Group was involved in a fishing project but the boat that was given to them was brought to Draunibota for maintenance. 1 will not go into the details regarding the whereabouts or the fate of the boat, but we would be grateful if the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Primary Industries could sort out who is responsible for replacing the boat for the youths of Lomaiviti. The one resource we could exploit is our marine resource and the Lomaiviti youths had a lucrative business going before they lost the boat to whoever or wherever.

HON. L.B. SMITH.- To Bua.

HON. MS T.M. VAKATALE.- While still on fishing, Mr. Speaker, Sir, may I refer to paragraph 74 of His Excellency the President's Address where His Excellency has committed the Government to assisting the development of small scale commercial fishing, while at the same time, continue to support industrial fishing. I, as Member for Lomaiviti, am most grateful to Government for this commitment. The small scale commercial fishing will eater for such groups as the Lomaiviti Youth Group and other smaller groups in each of the islands. At the same time, we would need to see the continuation of the activities of the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) which has become the main employer and source of livelihood for the people of Ovalau. In saying that, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am also mindful of the indiscriminate activities of bait-fishing by the major commercial fishing vessels and I am therefore pleased to note that His Excellency has assured us that fishing rights will be protected.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the encouragement of aquaculture especially mari-culture as spelt out by His Excellency is timely and most welcomed because our islands are dependent on the sea. Already on the island of Makogai, Government is cultivating clams and turtle and lumi or seaweed is grown for export in many of our villages now.

In paragraph 82 of His Excellency's Address, he referred to tourism and the diversion of more resources to this very important sector. Lomaiviti has more than just beautiful sandy beaches; it has Levuka, the old capital - a town that has retained the architecture of the 19th Century. While other towns in Fiji are busy pulling down old buildings and replacing them with modern ones, Levuka has deliberately renovated and restored its buildings to blend in with its 19th Century image. HON. MS T.M. VAKATALE.- The Levuka community together with the University are working on Levuka as a historic town. While we have Wakaya as perhaps the most exclusive of the resorts we have in Fiji, we also have other sites in which we could develop secondary tourism and eco-tourism. Levuka, I might add, is also a melting pot of people and is a show place for the world to see multiracialism at its best.

I am delighted, Mr. Speaker, Sir, to note Government's intention of promoting greater efficient use of alternative energy resources such as hydro, solar, wind and tidal energy for I believe that amongst the priorities of improving the living standards in rural areas is the availability of running water and electricity. Once these two amenities are in place, other developments can be achieved easily. Diesel generators can be very expensive especially when boats are so irregular.

It would be remiss of me to omit my gratitude to His Excellency for highlighting in paragraph 36 of his Address some specific steps which could be used to enable the active involvement of women in decision making. The appointment of women into various boards is most welcomed and while I would like to express my gratitude to the honourable Minister of State for Television and Telecommunications for appointing a woman on the Fiji Posts & Telecommunications Limited Board and also to thank the honourable Minister for Women, Culture, Social Welfare and Multi-Ethnic Affairs for negotiating with other Ministers who are responsible for the appointment of Board members.

May I, Mr. Speaker, Sir, at the same time, request that the Ministers who are responsible for appointing Board members, be sensitive to the need to make the nominated women members feel confident enough to actively participate. Often women are appointed simply as a token and if this is so, then such women will not be active. What is actually needed is to appoint women proportionately to the role played by them in that particular area. In most cases therefore, women make up for half of the various activities. This should then be reflected in the composition of the Board. Often, a token woman is appointed and she is useless because all the talking is done by the rest who are all men. Let me assure you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, that this particular woman is not going to let all the men in this honourable House do all the talking.

(Laughter)

Mr. Speaker, Sir, now I come to my own area of responsibility: Education. I have agonised over what I should do this morning in order to make the honourable House fully appreciate my area of responsibility. I am well aware that we are all experts at one form or another of Education. Even the students think they know what the Education policy of a country should be. I know that in this House, we have no less than fourteen professionally trained educators ...

HON. J.R. REDDY.- Too many.

HON. MS T.M. VAKATALE.- ... hence my reluctance and dilemma. I decided that rather than bore you this morning with everything that my Ministry is doing and ought to be doing, I thought I would only touch on what was referred to by His Excellency the President in his speech.

However, before I do so, may I simply bring to the notice of this honourable House that Fiji's Ninth Development Plan (DP9) was between 1986 and 1990, most of which time was during the Interim Administration. I think, Mr. Speaker, Sir, that needs to be appreciated. I am glad to note therefore that the strategies and programmes as spelt out in DP9 on Education were adhered to and implemented by the Interim Government and I would like to thank them for this.

Many of the strategies and programmes, of course, will need to be continued, others need reviewing and improved upon. All these we hope to do in the coming five years.

Fiji's education system relies on a non-governmental service delivery system. Community committees and non-governmental organisations, including religious organisations, are mainly responsible for the high standard of education in our country. I would like to acknowledge their contribution in this honourable House and to thank them for their dedication.

HON. GOVERNMENT MEMBERS.- Vmaka, Vinaka!

HON. MS T.M. VAKATALE.- If you will allow me, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am about to bore the honourable House with some statistics. I thought I had better do this to forestall other Members like the honourable Indian Member for Navosa/Serua/Namosi/Naitasiri West/Rewa West (M. Singh) from further questions.

During the DP9 period, emphasis was also placed on pre-school education; at the moment we have 350 registered kindergartens throughout the country. The School of Nine is not registered and have not been taken into consideration.

We have 691 primary schools, 142 secondary schools, 42 technical or vocational centres. We have seven tertiary institutions, including the teacher training colleges for primary and secondary, the technical institute and the University of the South Pacific.

On school enrolment, the number of school-aged children we have at school is 259,362. At kindergarten we have over 8,000 children. In primary schools we have 145,000 plus and in secondary schools we have 59,000 children.

The percentage of school-aged children in schools therefore is 80 percent. If we include Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT), Lautoka Teachers' College and the Fiji College of Advanced Education, we will only have 82 per cent. We have in the technical and vocational education institutions, Monfort Boys' Town with 152 and the schools that have vocational centres with 730 students. I want to stress that because that trains people for middle level to be self-motivated when they leave school and it takes 'drop-outs' or those who drop-out at Form 4. Our technical institution, Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) has 5,000 students. I have already given the figures for the University of the South Pacific. The Teachers Training College: primary - we have 405 and secondary - we have 100.

We have several categories of teachers in the education system. In the secondary schools, we have the civil servants who are paid fully by Government - there are 1,820. Then we have the temporary civil servants who are paid for by Government as well, but have to renew their contracts every year - there are 216 of them.

Then we have the grant-aided - those who are employed by school committees in consultation with the Ministry of Education; 80 per cent of their salary is paid for by Government and 20 per cent by the school committees. The number in this area is 874.

We have 62 Peace Corp volunteers. We have others who are school-appointed, or what we term "unaided" because they are paid for completely by the school committees, 60 of them, giving a total of 3,032 teachers in secondary schools.

In the primary schools we have two main categories: we have the civil servants, the permanent, and of course, the temporary. There are 4,565 permanent civil servants and all their salaries are fully paid for by Government. The civil servants who are temporary like the secondary school teachers, 98 of them have their salaries fully paid for by Government, then we have licensed teachers who teach (he vernacular languages. Concern was raised some days ago regarding the teaching of vernacular and making conversational Hinds and Fijian compulsory. These licensed teachers teach the minority languages. The total number of teachers in the primary schools is 4,828. The national teacher/pupil ratio in the primary schools is 1;31S but this differs in urban and in rural schools. In urban schools, the teacher/pupil ratio h 1:42 whereas in rural schools the teacher/pupil ratio is 1:20,

One of the difficulties that the urban schools have is overcrowding. While we have an estimated teacher/pupil ratio of 1:42, if you walk into the classroom, you are likely to have a teacher teaching up to 50 pupils.

in the rural areas, I will say that we have 1:20 as the estimated teacher/pupil ratio. The 1:20 could comprise in a school of six classes with only two teachers, so each teacher teaches three classes.

In the secondary schools, the national teacher/pupil ratio is 1:22. The estimated teacher/pupil ratio in secondary schools is 1:28 in urban and 1.18 in rural schools.

The school drop-out in the last five years since 1987 in the primary school was 30 per cent; 1988 - 28 percent; 1989 - 27 per cent; 1990 - 26 per cent and in 1991 - 25 percent. In the secondary school (Forms 1-6), in 1987, school drop-out was 55 per cent. In 1988 - 55 per cent and from 1989 to 1991 - 40 per cent.

The Fiji School Leaving Certificate Examination was held in Fiji for the first time in 1989 and that may have something for the levelling out at 40 percent of school drop-outs in secondary level since 1989. The literacy rate in the country is 87 percent.

With financial assistance from Australia, two significant innovations have been made in secondary teacher training aimed at solving the problem of the shortage of qualified and trained secondary school teachers.

An In-Service Programme for teacher training during school holidays has been launched. The first cycle of the programme, which began with 60 teachers, has been completed; the second cycle of another 60 teachers is in progress; and the third cycle, comprising a similar number of teachers will begin later this year.

The Fiji College of Advanced Education was established at Nasinu this year with an intake of 100 students who will pursue a two-year diploma level course which will prepare them to teach in Forms 1-4 in secondary schools.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Australia's contribution to this pre-service teacher training programme is expected to be in the vicinity of $3.5 million between 1992 and 1995. I would like to record, Mr. Speaker, Sir, my Ministry's gratitude to the Australian Government, not only for the practical financial help, but for the personnel given to us and for their professional guidance for both the pre-service and the in-service courses.

The high priority Government attaches to technical'and vocational education, in particular at the tertiary level, is exemplified in Government's decision for the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) to be granted greater autonomy to enable it to function more effectively in the future.

The decision, following a number of reports on the future development of the Institute is the culmination of exhaustive inter-ministerial discussions spanning over two years, involving the Ministry of Education, the Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and the Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations.

The granting of greater autonomy to FIT has several important implications:

FIT will now have greater freedom to deal with its day-to-day administration and will be answerable to a Council that has already been set up.

FIT will now be able to modify the terms and conditions of service of its staff in order to be able to recruit and retain better qualified staff.

FIT will be able to introduce income generating activities in its various schools and use the income derived from such activities for its further development.

FIT will be in a better position to receive aid from donor agencies, several of which have already indicated that more aid would be forthcoming once FIT was granted more autonomy. The decision to give FIT greater autonomy will be implemented in two stages. During the first stage, which will be of three years1 duration, resources put under full control of the FIT Council will include all costs except salaries of established staff. These will be provided to the FIT Council in the form of a block grant. In the first three years, the Council will thus have responsibility for expenditure relating to equipment, capital works, teaching and learning materials, repairs and maintenance and administrative costs.

In the second stage, the FIT Council will also assume full responsibility for a single block grant to include costs such as salaries. But this will happen after a review is done in the third year of stage 1 to consider whether the Council is ready to handle this additional responsibility.

The FIT Council, which is the main governing body of the Institute, consists of representatives from the private sector, relevant Government ministries and the main employers' and employees' associations.

The granting of greater autonomy to FIT will also facilitate the planning and introduction of higher level courses at the Institute, beginning with a wider range of diploma level courses and in the long term, introducing degree level courses in selected areas.

Other major developments in this area include the increase of aid to FIT from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and Canada and the signing of an agreement with the Government of the People's Republic of China to build a technical institute at Savusavu based on the Boys' Town concept.

A major revision has been made of curricula and examinations at upper secondary level, that is for Forms 5, 6 and 7. Books and equipment worth over $1 million were donated to secondary schools in 1991 and a similar amount will be used this year to increase the supply of learning and teaching resources in secondary schools.

Two significant steps taken to improve the quality of rural education are the creation of 13 educational media centres and the increase in the supply of educational materials to kindergartens and play centres in rural areas.

The main purpose of the educational media centres is to serve as an educational resource centres for nearby primary schools in rural areas, This innovation and the improvement of the quality of pre-service education will strengthen the foundation of education and enable the children to learn more effectively at higher levels of the education system. I have also stated earlier that we will be assisting 74 rural primary schools in an effort to attract better qualified teachers in the rural schools. We will also look at their other innovations and incentives designed to attract and retain better qualified teachers in rural areas.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we plan to introduce free and compulsory education in stages up to Form IV. In Development Plan 9, attempts were made and achieved to a very large extent at making 12 years of education for every child who so desires. This was done by guaranteeing the availability of primary and secondary education for every child in the country. Making it free and compulsory to Form 4 would be taking this step further. We hope to increase the $12 per capita grant to each child in primary school to a more realistic figure in 1993 but certainly in 1994.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is appreciated that while it is a good thing to make education free, it may not be good to make it compulsory, simply because it inay be difficult to enforce it and secondly, anything done under compulsion usually has a negative effect. We will be looking at the issue of making education compulsory with a great deal of care. Perhaps we might even consider making it compulsory only in primary schools.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, concern has already been raised in this honourable House about the need for more moral education. During the Interim Administration, a programme on family life education was implemented. This dealt with family values and morals and was implemented in close co-operation with the parents and the community and involved religious organisations as well.

1 believe, Mr. Speaker, Sir, that schools and teachers have been subjected to the pressures from outside to organise school systems to increase national productivity and competitiveness of the national economy. Schools compete for academic excellence and there is emphasis on competition over co-operation, consumption over sustainable resource use, and bureaucracy over authentic human interaction. The schools are being forced to produce for the employment market which, I think, can best be achieved by treating young people as human beings first and future workers secondly. Only people who live full, healthy meaningful lives can be truly productive and the economic system surely requires a skilled, dependable and responsible work force. We will therefore attempt in the forthcoming years to make teaching a vocation or calling, rather than have teachers become caught up in the trappings of competitive professionalism: tightly controlled credentials and certification, and a professional aloofness from the spiritual, moral and emotional issues inevitably involved in the process of human growth.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, Sir, in supporting the motion to the House, may 1 plead with the honourable Members that while yesterday is gone - we cannot change it - we can still learn from it. Today is here, and we can do the most we are capable of with it; tomorrow is yet to come, let us look with hope towards it.

(Acclamation)

MR. SPEAKER.- Thank you very much for your contribution, honourable Minister for Education.

HON. R.P. SINGH. - Mr. Speaker, Sir, I too would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Fiji for his most gracious Address.

I also wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your elevation to the high office of Speaker. Sir, the impartial manner in which you have maintained decorum in debate and given rulings on points of order so far is commendable. I pray that God be your guiding light in your deliberations during your term of office. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to begin my maiden speech by replying to the honourable Fijian Member for Rewa (S.B. Butadroka), who has once again echoed his familiar cry of the past two decades that Indians should be repatriated from Fiji. Sir, I do not understand the consistency of the honourable Member. In the immediate aftermath of the Genera) Elections, he was supporting the Indian Member for Ba West to be leader of Opposition to this House. I do not think he wanted Mr. Chaudhry to be his Leader in absentia.

Sir, no one can deny the fact that the economic prosperity that Fiji is enjoying today is mainly due to the Indians. One has to simply compare Fiji with our neighbouring Pacific islands such as Tonga, Western Samoa and Vanuatu. In Tonga and Western Samoa, Mr. Speaker, Sir, the major source of foreign exchange revenue is mainly the money remitted by relatives working in New Zealand and Australia. If it was not for the setback of 1987, Fiji could very well have enjoyed the standard of living equal to that of New Zealand. The honourable Member's utterances does not give credit to the contributions of Indians to this nation.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in feet, it is because of the presence of the Indians in Fiji that Fijian ownership of land is secure. The main reason for Sir Arthur Gordon to enact the Native Land Trust Board Act was because of the presence: of the third race in Fiji. Why did the British colonialists not enact similar legislation in Australia and New Zealand? The analogy by the Minister for Youth Employment and Sports, that he is not in favour of the kind of equality which disinherited the native Hawaiians, which lost the Maoris of New Zealand most of their land, and which disenfranchised the Aborigines of Australia, does not apply to Fiji.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I agree that the Fijian ownership of native land, fishing rights, his tradition and culture should be protected with the entrenched clauses, I, for one who has been born and bred next to a Fijian chiefly village of Bua, know the importance of the chiefly system, not only to the Fijians but to all the people. At this point, I wish to pay tribute to the Tut Bua, Ratu Isikeli Nagagavoka, a person who is fair, who has true leadership qualities and who is heid in high respect by the Indians in Bua. This House is honoured with the presence of his brother and another high chief, Ratu Kavaia Tagivetaua.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, some people are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them. In the case of the high chiefs in this House, I can say that they are born great. I particularly refer to the honourable Fijian Member for Tailevu (Ratu W.B. Toganivalu) who has set the correct pace in this session by declaring this Constitution to be unfair without mincing his words. I regard him as a father figure in this House, not because he served in Parliament with my father but because of his wide experience and knowledge and it may pay well for the House to heed his words of wisdom.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the recent election, the i990 Constitution was the main topic of discussion. Insofar as my Party, the National Federation Party was concerned, we declared this Constitution to be unfair, undemocratic, divisive, racist and in violation of the basic human rights of the people of Fiji. Therefore, it was welcome news to learn of the honourable the Prime Minister's intention of setting up a machinery for dialogue for the review of the Constitution. The fact the review of the Constitution is mentioned in His Excellency's Address is also heartening. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the election under the 1990 Constitution is over and we are presently convened under that Constitution. I feel that the time is opportune to took at some of the drawbacks of the Constitution that is apparent after this election.

Sir, if one visits Suva Grammar School next door, one will find children of all races, inclusive of Fijians and Indians sitting in their classrooms. We see workers in the Public Works Department from both races working together. If one goes to the market place, cane field and other public places, one will find Fijians and Indians mingling together. This House is quite different. We see Fijian Members sitting on one side of the House and Indian Members sitting on the other.

HON. M.V. LEWBNIQILA.- Behind you is another Fijian,

HON. R.P. SINGH.- Mr. Speaker, Sir, 1 concede there are five Fijian Members sitting on our side but that is merely because they have won their seats against the run of the trend in the national scene. If the national swing in favour of the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) was also prevalent in the constituencies of my honourable Fijian brothers in Opposition, then there would have been no Fijians sitting on this side of the House, Sir.

Sir, another sad feature of this Government is the absence of Indians in Cabinet. The contributions of Indians to the economy of Fiji is quite considerable, as I have already said, Sir. Sugar has always been referred to as the backbone of the Fiji economy. This is re-confirmed in paragraph 67 of His Excellency's Address to this House.

Sir, in 1990, according to the Sugar Industry Tribunal Register of Growers, there were 21,660 cane growers. Of this 16,537 were Indians constituting 76 per cent of the total. Fijian cane growers numbered 5,012 constituting 23 per ceiH. According to statistics, from 1984 to 1988 Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Indians produced 83.6 per cent of sugarcane while the Fijians produced 14.2 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Indians form the bulk of the rice farmers in this country and majority of commerce and manufacturing industries are controlled by Indians. However, despite this immense contribution to the national economy, the Constitution excludes the Indians from being part of the Government. As Indians have a proven record in the business of agriculture and in the commercial sector, it would be beneficial to the nation if this expertise was included in Cabinet.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Constitution has succeeded in compartmentalising the two races separately for the first time in the history of national election in Fiji, we saw the two major parties, the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni. Taukei (SVT) and tlie National Federation Party (NFP) contesting the election on racial lines. The SVT contested the 37 Fijian seats only whilst the NFP contested the 27 Indian seats only. Whilst the SVT was the only party capable of forming a Government in its own right, there was a possibility of a hung Parliament because it was only contesting 37 of the 70 seats. Subsequently, the results showed us that there was a hung Parliament. If there was no coalition reached, we would have been in a stalemate situation. The Department also provided (raining on management of small businesses, maintenance of sewing machines and screen printing. Government provided $66,000 for these projects between 1988 and 1991. At the moment, dialogue is proceeding on providing special loan schemes to rural women (rural housewives).

Appropriate technology: this was in the form of smokeless stoves which were designed for low fuel wood consumption, to reduce fuel wood smoke. The Ministry has so far spent almost $10,000 on this project.

In the area of general community development, the Department provided $195,000 to fund the purchase of motor-mowers, complete community halls and resource centres, build footpaths, river walls and bus shelters, purchase of musical instruments, furniture, training and completion of multi-purpose centres. Other projects funded by the Department to the tune of $38,000 included skills revival workshops and purchase of video equipment, horses and saddles, Mr. Speaker, vocational training and training materials.

Grants to women's organisations: from 1988 to 1992, the Department has provided as grants to women's organisations a total of $81,000. The Soqosoqo Vakamarama received a total of $40,000, the National Council for Women - $10,000; Ba Provincial Women Council - $7,000; Fiji Nurses Christian Fellowship - $1,000 and the balance was shared amongst various other women's organisations. Mr. Speaker, work is being done for our women.

Australian International Assistance Development Bureau (AIDAB) grant: I would like at this juncture, to express my appreciation to the Australian Government for their assistance which my Ministry has been receiving through the AIDAB programme. From 1989 to 1990, AIDAB has provided a total of $187,000 to fund the women's projects in the areas which I have just outlined. I am pleased to note that AIDAB will be providing another $100,000 this year for our projects.

During my six weeks in office, Mr. Speaker, I visited areas where these projects were located. In the process, 1 have really come to appreciate the efforts of women in developing their communities and their families, so much so, that In some cases women are now playing a leading role in the development of their communities, and it is difficult to identify the men's contribution to the development process.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, 1 firmly believe that we are equal partners in the development process, irrespective of our gender, race, colour or creed. We must all play our part in building our nation, our communities and our families for Fijians in particular.

Mr. Speaker, I would iike to take the liberty at this point to pay tribute to the Soqosoqo Vakamarama and other women's groups, for the tremendous strides the organisations have taken to improve the quality of life for women in rural areas. The support given to the Department over the years, ever since the establishment of the Women's Interests Section has been invaluable and I hope that the support will continue in the years to come.

Women's Caucus: the Department has established caucus groups through which the women's organisations are consulted on various issues affecting the lives of women. The caucus Mr. Speaker, Sir, even if we have an election tomorrow, there is 99 per cent chances that there would be a hung Parliament. The system of Government is based on the Westminster system whilst the 1990 Constitution has made an abuse of the Westminster system. Sir, I have only referred to two of the short-comings in the Constitution. I fee! that this point should be made in this House so that posterity would take heed of the effects of the 1990 Constitution and this sort of experiment in raciai politics should never be repeated in this nation, Sir.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, during the last five years of recess from a parliamentary Government, various decrees were passed by the Interim Government. As there were no debates on the issue, the pros and cons of each decree were not fully aired by the people's representatives. One such decree was the amendment to the Sugar Industry Act whereby the size of the Growers Council was reduced from 111 to 43. I am not against this reduction but the fact to be borne in mind is that the Board is selected from these 43 Councillors. As these 43 Councilors are, generally speaking, full-time growers who would have necessary time to service their sector, the calibre of people necessary for a Board of the Sugar Cane Growers Council cannot be found.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Board is vested with enormous responsibilities pertaining to looking after the welfare of the cane growers of Fiji. In monetary terms, the cane growers are entitled to about 71 per cent of the net proceeds on sate of sugar. In an average year, this amounts to $250 million. The Board is charged with the duties of improving the growers' share of proceeds, improving the burnt cane provisions, lorry transport and seeking variations to the Master Award. The point I am making is that the growers need professional and educated people together with bona fide growers on the Board. I therefore suggest that the Board consists of six cane growers representatives and five professional and learned people, including accountants, lawyers, economists, chemists or scientists, to be nominated by the Sugar Cane Growers' Council.

What I am saying is the result of my experience in the Sugar-Cane Growers' Council for seven years and J can say I was a minority in that Board, Sir. That is why I am making this point, Sir.

The qualification of the Board members of the Sugar Cane Growers' Council should be comparable to that of the Board of the Fiji Sugar Corporation. The Board members of the Sugar Cane Growers' Council should also be comparable to members of the Boards of the Fiji Development Bank, Housing Authority and Air Pacific.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, one of the reasons for making the above suggestions has been prompted by the manner in which the present Board of the Council has dismissed its Chief Executive, Mr. Hardip Singh. From the manner in which he has been summarily dismissed, it is unlikely that any professional person would like to take this job for fear he may be fired in a similar manner at the whim of the Board, Sir.

We have learnt through the news media, Sir, that Mr. Hardip Singh has been fired for mismanagement of funds and understating of the budget, but so far, the matter has not been reported to the police. If the Board was not happy with the budget, then they could easily have called a meeting of the Council and amended the budget and the general levies.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the other matter of concern to the rice farmers is the vast fluctuation in the price of rice and paddy. At the time of and soon after harvest the price hits rock bottom level. The price of rice was $1.40 per kilogramme prior to harvest in May this year, it fell to half the amount in June after the harvesting season began. At present, a rice farmer of Fiji who cultivates his plot of land comprising three to eight acres, is in direct competition with the large mechanised farmers of Australia and Thailand. The local rice grower sells his rice in competition with the overseas farmers, hence, he barely manages to cover his costs. As a result, some of the poorest people in Fiji are the rice farmers. This maybe one of the reasons that Fiji has not been able to increase its production of rice. I request Government to work out a pricing formula which is fair and gives adequate return to the farmers.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, my friend, the honourable Fijian Member for Bua (Ratu K. Tagivetaua) has ably spoken on the roading and other public service requirements for the area. However, I wish to highlight some areas where urgent attention is required.

Sir, Nabouwaiu is growing into the semblance of a township. With a new hospital under . construction, a new post office being in the planning stages and with the upgrading of the Nabouwalu Jetty, Nabouwalu is taking the shape of a township. Therefore the planning of a town or a commercial growth centre should be initiated straightaway. Sir, we have already heard the Fijian Member for Bua saying that the Fijian landowners are eagerly waiting for the land to be subdivided and taken on lease so that they may begin earning some income. The onus is on the Town and Country Planning Board, the Native Land Trust Board and other relevant authorities to begin the necessary ground work for the centre to take shape.

Sir, once the blocks of land are made available, entrepreneurs are sure to take up the land and begin construction of restaurants, motels, hotels, shops and other amenities which are found in a small town and which Nabouwalu so badly needs at present.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have already said that Bua has no viable industry. It comprises 24 percent of the total land mass area of the Northern Division. It amounts to 136,627 hectares, out of which a mere 8,286 hectares has been utilised through agricultural and other related activities. If one drives from Nasarowaqa to Dama, one will find acres and acres of idle land overgrown with elephant grass and bush. There is one crop which the climate, the soil structure and the landscape is suited to - and that is sugar cane.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it was in Fiji's Development Plan 9 that a target of 550 - 600 tonnes of sugar was set for the period 1986 to 1990. However, sugar production in the five years up to 1989 averaged only 434,000 tonnes. Mr. Jonetani Galuinadi, the Chief Executive of Fiji Sugar Corporation says in the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Annual Report of 1990 that, and I quote:

"I would like to see the Industry produce 600,000 tonnes sugar by 1995. This target has eluded us so far."

However, it is quite abundantly clear that this target will never be reached by the FSC. The FSC, being a monopoly company, has tended to rest on its laurels, lias tended to be conservative and has never been innovative in its approach, especially in the farm extension services.

However, I have one criticism of the present ALT A and that is in relation to the clause dealing with the reassessment of rent. IE is because of this that exorbitant rents are being charged on the growers.

Sir, the Committee of Valuers declare the unimproved capital value (UCV) of the different classes of agricultural land. It is on this value that the rent of the land is based upon, generally speaking, it is six per cent of the UCV.

According to the Agricultural Land Declaration of Unimproved Capital Values Order 1982, the UCV of the first class arable land used for growing cane in Vanua Levu was $2,108 per hectare. In the 1987 Order of the Committee of Valuers, the UCV of the same land was increased to $4,000. Therefore, the Committee of Valuers increased the UCV by almost 100 per cent in five years. I submit, Sir, that there was no valid criteria for such a vast increase.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the tenants do not have any say in the matter of appointment of the Committee of Valuers. There is no mechanism to challenge the values set by the valuers. Whilst there is a valuer who is an employee of the Native Land Trust Board, there is no valuer appointed by the tenants. This provision is in breach of Ihe ruies of natural justice.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, cane growers are paying their rents punctually at the beginning of each year through automatic deduction by FSC and this is only fair that a mechanism for assessment of rent is such that is fair to all parties.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to speak briefly on fertilizer and I will be concluding in a few minutes' time.

Fertilizer is an important component in the production of sugar cane. Upon the formation of the South Pacific Fertilizer Company (SPF), the farmers were looking forward to a cheaper source of fertilizer. However, that did not eventuate.

Prior to the formation of SPF, the FSC used to import and distribute fertilizer on the understanding that FSC would not make any profit in the process and only charge its actual expense on the growers. Therefore, it was surprising to learn that the SPF has made a huge profit, which can be seen by the issue of dividends amounting to $50,000 to the Sugar Cane Growers Council for its 20 per cent shares, Sir.

The FSC as the 40 per cent shareholder and the FDB as the 20 per cent shareholder, would also be entitled to their share of the proceeds. The huge profit explains, Mr. Speaker, the excessive price of the fertilizer which the growers have been complaining about so far. This clearly is a breach of trust by the SPF Board placed on them by the growers.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I wish to look to the future. I iook forward to the initiation of the consultative process for the review of the Constitution. The society has placed a heavy responsibility on the shoulders of the 70 Members of this House of Representatives; as it has done so on the Senate and the Council of Chiefs and on His Excellency the President of Fiji- Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the United States of America, the Constitution which was framed in 1787 remains in force today and the country is regarded as the example of democracy, I urge the Members of this House to come up with a Constitution that Fiji can be proud of, that protects and safeguards the rights and aspirations of all the people, so that posterity remembers us as the framers of a great Constitution, as the people of the world are remembering the framers of the American Constitution.

Sir, the task ahead of us is enormous, but not insurmountable. When I look around this House, I see men of goodwill, tolerance and patience and 1 am more than convinced that we can do it.

May God Bless Fiji, Sir.

(Acclamation)

MR. SPEAKER.- Thank you very much, honourable Member. With that contribution from Cakaunitabua, we will now adjourn for morning tea and we will resume at 11.30.

The House adjourned at 10.56 a.m. HON. RATU J. NACOLA.- Mr. Speaker, honourable Members, it is indeed an honour and privilege for me this morning to congratulate His Excellency the President of the Republic of Fiji for clearly setting out the broad objectives of this new Government. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the wisdom and foresight in the vision that he has set for this Government to strive for. We have an important role to play in achieving progress and stability through working together towards those common objectives. These objectives were borne out of circumstances which were extraordinary. At this point in time, we need an extraordinary amount of goodwill to steer this country firmly on the road towards achieving a better quality of life for all the citizens of Fiji.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, before I elaborate any further on His Excellency's Address, I would like to express my appreciation to the people of Ra for their faith in selecting me to represent their interests in this honourable House.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would also like to thank the Prime Minister for his confidence and trust in me, to invite me as an Independent candidate to serve in his Cabinet as Minister responsible to him for Women, Culture, Social Welfare and Multi- Ethnic Affairs.

With the guidance of God Almighty, I shall endeavour to serve the people of Fiji, to uphold their fundamental rights and freedoms supposedly enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, to promote respect for the rule of law and the participation of our people in building our nation and bringing about peaceful, multiracial co-existence.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, this Ministry of this Government wants to be an open, efficient and accountable provider of services. This can only be done through the strengthening of the professional staff through on-going staff development training programmes, and provision of the basic administrative support resources to function effectively. By basic administrative support, Mr. Speaker, I do not mean just office space, or office space with a table and no chairs, or office space with a chair and no tables, as I have seen on my recent visits to the offices of the field staff of my Ministry. They need vehicles to reach those whom we serve, they need office equipment - even a manual typewriter does not exist in some offices. In many cases, staff have used their own resources Eo get their work done. Mr. Speaker, during the next five years, we aim to address these problems and provide services to those, in particular, living in rural areas.

Before I elaborate any further, Mr. Speaker, I would like to assure this House that this Ministry will endeavour to be an accountable and an accessible Ministry to all those who desire our services. Where people are not able to reach us, we will reach them primarily to ensure that the needs of the disadvantaged and women in isolated rural communities are addressed. Secondly, to see for ourselves the impact of our Ministry's development initiatives in the lives of women, children and the disadvantaged in isolated rural communities.

Mr. Speaker, His Excellency the President had outlined the objectives of his Government for the next five years. In line with that division, this Ministry proposes for social services to promote community based services by encouraging greater involvement of the community in meeting basic needs. It proposes to promote the development aspects of social welfare to develop self-reliance. It proposes to work with the non-government organisations (NGOs) to develop preventive measures and community-based rehabilitative programmes for offenders. For women, this Ministry proposes to monitor the improvements in the status of our women; to strengthen women's participation and integration in development; to facilitate the promotion of different cultures; to foster greater cultural understanding and goodwill between the different ethnic groups in Fiji; to continue in association with Indian Advisory Councils for the social, economic and cultural development of the Indian communities in Fiji, to address the needs of minority ethnic groups in Fiji with a view of putting in place, services and programmes to promote their welfare and full integration into our multiracial society.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would now like to outline the programmes and activities that were undertaken by the Department for Women, Culture and Social Welfare in the last five years so that I would also outline our vision for the Ministry over the next five years. In 1987, the Women's Interests Section in the Ministry for Rural Development became the core of what is now the Department of Women and Culture. The Department also applied responsibility for the Fiji Museum and the Fiji Arts Council.

The assumptions underlying the programmes of the Department for the last five years and for the futuic are that women's key roles will continue to be that of wife, mother and homemake., an.I as such, women are the providers of basic education, the custodians of culture, traditions and norms, and values in the first formative years of life, and that women are also the providers of food, health, community welfare and home comforts for men. The Department considers, as priority, strengthening women's capabilities in these areas in order to produce a healthy, caring, responsible and productive society; that women in Fiji are equal partners in development. The Department considered it necessary to push the opportunities to enable qualified women and women with special skills to participate fuily in the economic, political and social development of this country. Also, recognising the multicultural nature of our society, the Ministry undertakes to promote the cultures of different ethnic groups in this country in order to foster nation building through peaceful, multiracial co-existence on a common national identity and a common destiny.

During the past five years, Government made available, $438,419 through the Department for Women and Culture to implement programmes which were primarily targeted at women in rural areas. The following programmes were implemented and these will continue to be implemented effectively, I hope in the next five years.

Improvement to living standard: this involves the construction of water tanks, improvements for sanitation, and water supply, the construction of rural kitchens, footpaths, smokeless stove, provision of cooking pots and utensils to assist in providing nutritious meals to children in school; the construction of an ante-natal rest house for expectant mothers and sick bay for school children. From 1988 to 1991, the Department of Women provided the sum of $127,000 to assist the women's groups in these projects.

Economic participation: the Department's assistance in this area was in the form of funding training programmes and providing materials for these projects which include poultry and piggery farming, fishing, retail shops, supply of sewing machines, cooking equipment, fishing, and capital input into various retail shops for women. The Department also provided training on management of small businesses, maintenance of sewing machines and screen printing. Government provided $66,000 for these projects between 1988 and 1991. At the moment, dialogue is proceeding on providing special loan schemes to rural women (rural housewives).

Appropriate technology: this was in the form of smokeless stoves which were designed for low fuel wood consumption, to reduce fuel wood smoke. The Ministry has so far spent almost $10,000 on this project.

In the area of general community development, the Department provided $195,000 to fund the purchase of motor-mowers, complete community halls and resource centres, build footpaths, river walls and bus shelters, purchase of musical instruments, furniture, training and completion of multi-purpose centres. Other projects funded by the Department to the tune of $38,000 included skills revival workshops and purchase of video equipment, horses and saddles, Mr. Speaker, vocational training and training materials.

Grants to women's organisations: from 1988 to 1992, the Department has provided as grants to women's organisations a total of $81,000. The Soqosoqo Vakamarama received a total of $40,000, the National Council for Women - $10,000; Ba Provincial Women Council - $7,000; Fiji Nurses Christian Fellowship - $1,000 and the balance was shared amongst various other women's organisations. Mr. Speaker, work is being done for our women.

Australian International Assistance Development Bureau (AIDAB) grant: I would like at this juncture, to express my appreciation to the Australian Government for their assistance which my Ministry has been receiving through the AIDAB programme. From 1989 to 1990, AIDAB has provided a total of $187,000 to fund the women's projects in the areas which I have just outlined. I am pleased to note that AIDAB will be providing another $100,000 this year for our projects.

During my six weeks in office, Mr. Speaker, I visited areas where these projects were located. In the process, I have really come to appreciate the efforts of women in developing their communities and their families, so much so, thai in some cases women are now playing a leading role in the development of their communities, and it is difficult to identify the men's contribution to the development process.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I firmly believe that we are equal partners in the development process, irrespective of our gender, race, colour or creed. We must all play our part in building our nation, our communities and our families for Fijians in particular.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the liberty at this point to pay tribute to the Soqosoqo Vakamarama and other women's groups, for the tremendous strides the organisations have taken to improve the quality of life for women in rural areas. The support given to the Department over the years, ever since the establishment of the Women's Interests Section has been invaluable and I hope that the support will continue in the years to come.

Women's Caucus: the Department has established caucus groups through which the women's organisations are consulted on various issues affecting the lives of women, The caucus has become a useful forum for dialogue with women's groups and we will continue consultation through the caucus with the representatives of women's organisations from various ethnic groups.

My Ministry applauds the initiative that will be taken by the Government to introduce the economic policies and labour reforms that generate economic growth.

The impact of development is not always possible and my Ministry will endeavour to safeguard the interests and the welfare of women whose lives are likely to be affected by the new economic strategy. To this end, we had consultations with the Ministry for Labour and Industrial Relations to express the concerns of women about the implications of removing the restrictions on night work for women. My Ministry will be making representations to the Ministry concerned on the matter in due course.

These developments also bring about changes that affect our traditional roles as men, changes that some of us find difficult to accept. We must carefully evaluate our position and face reality. The literacy rate of women is now equal to men. More and more women are breaking out of their traditional service roles into other professional areas. The 1988 Census revealed that of the 1,178 accountants in the country, 178 were women; of the 312 doctors, 80 were women; of the 1,188 Ministers of Religion, 202 were women; of the 477 Government administrators, 36 were women; of the 712 general managers, 59 were women.

The 1988 census has revealed in many ways the capabilities of women through the occupations they now hold. H is my intention to encourage the involvement of women in mainstream decision making through employment, promotions and appointments to various boards. In this regard, I would like to express my appreciation to my colleague, the honourable Minister for Primary Industries, Forestry and Co-operatives who incidently is not here, has agreed to reserve places for qualified women on the following boards; Ika Corporation, Pacific Fishing Company Limited (PAFCO), Rewa Rice and Fiji Meat Board.

I am sure my colleagues are also identifying appropriate opportunities as I believe, Government should lead the way.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I welcome His Excellency's statement on the focal role of the Judiciary as the watchdog of citizens1 rights. S support the call to take all necessary steps to strengthen the administrative support and back-up system that is vital to an efficient and creditable justice system. I have taken a few moments to emphasise this in view of the difficulty of the Domestic Court to administer justice to women and children, husbands and grandparents, who turn to the Domestic Court to address their financial problems. There is so much to be desired.

I would like to plead for sensitivity and speed in dealing with cases concerning women who have been victims of physical and violent abuse, particularly rape. All too often, the legal system punishes the victims of rape more than the perpetrators of the offence. I can only stress the need to impose stiffer sentencing guidelines on those proven guilty of such despicable acts of abuse. Staff shortage or shortage of appropriately qualified magistrates should never be allowed to compromise an independent and credible justice system.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, while I applaud the intention of the United Nations Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against our women, we have to bear in mind that it also covers countries which are different in many ways from Fiji. We will examine this Convention with a view to determine what is applicable to Fiji. My Ministry is intending to hold a very wide consultation with women's groups on the articles of the Convention. Goodwill, patience and tolerance are spiritual values, and the arts, like religion, point to a reality that helps us shape our future.

The Fiji Museum: my Ministry is also responsible for the Fiji Museum and the Fiji Arts Council. The Fiji Museum was established as a statutory body in 1929. It houses a comprehensive collection of traditional Fijian artifacts. Also included in the collection are artifacts from other Pacific Island countries, as well as a historical collection that reflect developments in Fiji over the last 100 years. The Fijian collection primarily consists of 19th and early 20th Century artifacts; archaeological materials dating back to 1590 BC have also been added to the museum collection from archaeological excavations carried out in various parts.

The Museum has evolved from its role as a repository of historical artifacts to one of education and cultural awareness and development. The Museum activities in these areas have included mounting temporary cultural exhibition which featured the participation of the different, ethnic communities in Fiji. The Museum has now begun to host visiting exhibition beginning with the Chinese cultural exhibition this year. The Community Outreach programme is also underway and museum exhibitions have been mounted in Levuka and local business houses. I would like to express my appreciation for the support thai the Museum has received from local banks, business houses and individuals who are 'Friends of the Museum'.

A new dimension added to the activities of the Museum is that of environmental awareness, through a new temporary exhibition on "Wild Life Under Threat' which includes Fiji birds, animals, flora and fauna.

The Museum makes available publications on some of the 300 volumes of historical books and periodicals it stores. We anticipate that as the developmental role of the Fiji Museum expands, there is a need to also expand its current facilities to house and fully display its comprehensive collection of artifacts and to accommodate the activities which will enable the Museum to become a major tourist attraction, a revenue earner and an educational centre.

The Fiji Arts Council: Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Fiji Arts Council on the other hand is currently managed by a council of local volunteers. Over the past years, the Council has made a commendable effort to promote fine arts, drama, music and craft development. During the next five years, I would like to see that the Fiji Arts Council promote the development of the performing arts based on our local culture. I believe that our local culture need to be developed in order to bring about greater cultural understanding between the multi-ethnic groups that now live in Fiji. This year, the Ministry, through the Fiji Arts Council, is organising Fiji's representation at the Festival of Pacific Arts that will be held in October in the Cook Islands. We will be sending young performers who will reflect the multi-ethnic composition of our society. It is also envisaged that the performers, whether he/she be a Rotuman, Fijian, Indian or Chinese, dances will be performed by all the performers unlike past practices where Fijians performed Fijian mekes, the Indians performed Indian dances and the Chinese performed Chinese dances. We feel that this will go a long way in promoting cultural understanding and multiracial co- existence. The spectacles first; the spirit will come inevitably.

Social Welfare Department: Over the last five years and indeed since Independence, the policies and programmes of the Department of Social Welfare was determined by its statutory functions under the Juvenile Act, Adoption of Infants Act, Probation Act and the Matrimonial Causes Act.

Other non-statutory responsibilities carried out by the Department of Social Welfare include the administration of the Family Assistance Allowance to those in need, marriage guidance and counselling and general family welfare and rehabilitation. For these functions, the Department has been greatly assisted by voluntary organisations and individual volunteers. I would like to express my appreciation, Mr. Speaker, to these organisations and individuals for their assistance in the past.

The Department of Social Welfare pursued the following six programmes to address the basic needs of the most disadvantaged groups in the community and we will continue to implement these programmes.

Family Welfare Services: this was aimed at providing professional counselling to individuals within their family context and to render proper care to juveniles deemed to be at risk. It involves matrimonial counselling, a function which is now undertaken to a large extent by non-government organisations (NGOs) and trained volunteers in the community. This reflects the increased community participation in meeting these basic needs.

The child-care services includes adoption, the care of abandoned and neglected children and the care and protection of children at risk. The Department is indebted to the many individuals and organisations such as Dilkusha, Saint Christopher, Veilomani Homes and the Salvation Army that have been effectively providing such home care. Half-way homes will continue to be blessed.

In recognition of the special needs of such dispossessed children, the Department had increased its per-child monthly allowances from $15 to $25 under its Care and Protection Allowances Scheme.

Assistance to Destitute Families: families in a destitute condition are assisted financially through the Family Assistance Scheme which operates on the basis of qualification through financial need. The Family Assistance vote for each of the years 1987-1989 was $1.25 million, increasing to $2 million per year from 1990 to 1991. We hope that this will increase from year to year.

The increase in Family Assistance vote resulted in the raising of the minimum/maximum three-fold from $6 to $40 per month in 1987; $12 to $60 by the end of 1991 and $15 to $80 per month in 1992.

Assistance to the Elderly and the Disabled: the provision of services for the dispossessed elderly persons is provided by the Ministry of Health and some voluntary organisations. The Department merely assists in the assessment of overall family support in cases where Family Assistance and other forms of welfare support are sought.

Upon the request of non-government organisations caring for the disabled, the Department has been closely involved in efforts to establish a National Council for Disabled Persons, to co-ordinate and promote the activities of such non-government organisations.

Government Support Services: Government recognises the very important role played by non-government organisations in the total provision of Social Welfare Services in this country. Accordingly, it has been maintaining the payment of grants to non-governmerit organisations through the Department. Grants totalling $660,783 were distributed to non- government organisations during this period.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am aware that some of these services, such as the services for the disabled which include the blind, the victims of stroke and the physically handicapped are not receiving the support that they deserve because their roles are not clearly identified. In many cases they provide services which straddles the portfolio of more than one ministry. I have already initiated dialogue on the matter and 1 am confident that areas of overlap will be identified and the services/roles clarified so that hopefully this will bring about the support and recognition that such voluntary efforts deserve.

Rehabilitation work involves intensive care, Programmes in which individuals receive regular counseliing and activities in training through which their behaviour can be modified. Probation supervision is part of this rehabilitation programme. The Department works closely with the many non-government organisations actively pursuing long and short term rehabilitation of offenders in the belief that community base services are the most effective means of carrying out this work.

Legal aid is provided by a Government solicitor for those who are unable to afford legal representation in domestic matters, divorce, maintenance and affiliations. Between 1987 and 1991, 2,000 cases were dealt with through the offices of the Public Legal Adviser.

Prostitution Committee: upon the direction of Cabinet, the Department was responsible for the setting up of a Prostitution Committee whose preliminary findings were presented to Cabinet in 1991. These are our future plans, Mr. Speaker.

In this way every effort is made to extend the benefits of development to the poorest, among those who seek livelihood in rural areas. The group may include small scale farmers, tenants, people in the settlements. Thus Indian Advisory Councils have a vital role to play in the development of their respective areas. The Councillors have a very wide function, which ranges from reconciliation of disputes to bringing up community development projects from their consultative areas. The function is voluntary but important.

This year, ihe 16 Councils expect to complete a total of about 300 self-help community development projects with Government assistance and community contribution in terms of labour and some funding.

During the last six weeks, I have been travelling and inspecting various Indian Advisory Council projects. I have been greatly impressed by the type of projects being undertaken by the people. Furthermore, people are keen to do more projects and made several requests for additional funds. I am convinced that the projects for which funding is being requested are very much required by the people and, in fact, a necessity in most cases especially water supply projects and access roads.

The field visits have been very useful also in identifying the areas of need. There are many areas of Indian settlements where people still do not have the basic amenities such as reliable water supply and access roads. I also believe that there are many members of the Indian community who still live in poverty.

I have found that the existing budget provision for community development self-help projects for Indian Affairs is very small and needs to be increased. 1 have therefore applied to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning for further funds in this regard.

In our future programmes, we would be emphasising more and more on people undertaking economic-oriented projects. 1 believe that this is the right way ahead for all of us particularly, for the poor in rural areas. While social projects will not be neglected, greater priority will be given to projects which enhance the economic activity of the people so that they become more self-sufficient in their needs.

In the Indian Advisory Councils, women have not been actively involved as councillors. Recently, there have been calls to include women as councillors and I will be looking into this very closely so that women can be encouraged to take part.

The current group of Indian Advisory Councillors have been appointed until 31/12/92. Calls have been made that they should be elected in the future. This matter will be given its due consideration.

Indian Cultural Activities: the Fiji Indian Cultural Council which was set up for the first time last year will continue to play its role in cultural development. The Council comprises 18 members who are appointed for a year at a turn.

At present, the Council runs the Fiji Indian Cultural Centre in Suva in which there are some 200 students undergoing training during afternoons and evenings. As mentioned in the President's speech, the Centre will continue to maintain its role. Financial support from Government, through the Ministry of Indian Affairs, would continue to be provided, while the centre would be expected to raise some of the funds through its cultural performances.

It is also hoped to set up similar centres in (he Western and Northern Divisions in due course. In the West, it may be possible to accommodate this activity at the Fiji Girmit Centre in Lautoka. This matter is being currently looked into, thanks to a Dr. Tapik who is now being sponsored to organise and mount programmes at the Girmit Centre. He is making a breakthrough, an inroad in that direction.

The Ministry also intends to continue with its policy of giving appropriate assistance to cultural and other clubs for their proper function. With such assistance we hope to encourage the youths in particular to strengthen the self-help and development initiative. Dialogues at the moment are proceeding towards finding, even establishing, a Fijian Cultural Centre.

Multi-Ethnic Affairs: Mr. Speaker, Sir, the role of my Ministry includes the responsibility for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, which is a new function.

There are other minority communities living in Fiji on whom particular attention has not been given in the past. It is my intention to firstly establish the details about these communities and to see how they could be assisted. For the present, I would say that these would include the Chinese community and the other island communities residing in Fiji.

It is quite possible that they may need assistance in their cultural and other forms of development and I intend to take up this matter further in due course.

The concept of national harmony, while appearing to be simple in theory, may not always be to achieve in practice. To be successful in this, I believe that effort and prayer for tolerance and goodwill must go hand in hand.

We have gone through exceptionally trying times and only God can deal with some of our exceptionally trying circumstances. In this regard, I am tirmly ot the belief that we, as parliamentarians, should lead the way. We must set a good example and create understanding. Let us give credit where credit is due, and let us give it necessary but without rancour. We must be genuine in our effort to display goodwill, tolerance and love in all our deliberations, both inside and outside this House, to pave the way for the infusion of the themes into the lives of the people we serve through our policies and our programmes.

I believe Fiji has a bright future but we need to work together. In this regard, I feel it would be beneficial if we could share our rich cultural heritage through display of one another's cultures at a common venue.

At the moment, I am discussing uplifting/face-lifting the central museum to make it into a national theatre. I do not have the Bishop Museum (Bermice Pauchi Bishop Museum) in Hawaii in mind nor the National Cultural Centre in Sydney. It must be local but it must partake of the international fervour of other similar institutions. This, I think, will be a positive start in our attempts to build bridges of understanding between our various communities. The President's speech pleads for goodwill and tolerance. For that to happen, we need to move away from the days of nepotism, self-centredness and abuse of office. We must move towards a modern kind of leadership - service before self - which involves greater accountability to the people, to the nation, to the other races; a leadership that involves greater sense of equality among our people as we become aware not oniy of our rights we feel others owe to us, but also the duties we owe others because of the rights we demand of them as landlords of this country. Ask not what the others have done for us; ask ourselves what we have done for them. Is it enough, commensurate with industry, suffering, endurance and help which has built this country for everyone, for our children in future?

For goodwill and tolerance to be a living experience for us all, there must be dialogue and genuine sharing.

HONOURABLE MEMBERS.- Vinaka, vinaka.

HON. RATU J- NACOLA.- We must see that there is a fair distribution of wealth. There must be a fair distribution of power within the nation and within the Fijian community.

I as a Fijian, in passing, would like to note that the head of the confederacy of Kubuna is missed much by many people in Fiji. I hope that the installation of his successor will take place in the near future.

The President did pray that we join hands to make this Constitution for everyone. But let me say this: "First things first". Let us not forget that there is a need for public apology for those who have used forces, for the true spirit of multiracial society cannot come about without national reconciliation; without atonement of the wrongs that have been committed so our cultural hearth, fireplace, churches, altars, cultural centres and even our offices have to be cleaned and cleansed for a new fire to take place. Without this, smoke will only result - not the attendant flames with its attendant life generating warmth for our children.

As Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, it is natural that I should seek membership of other multiracial; multinational communities in the Commonwealth and in the United Nations. We need friends. We cannot survive and make it in the world if we do not have friends. While we take stock of ourselves, we must not blind ourselves in believing that we can ignore and live without those of which we are a part. We must invite back those friends who have fled us for we need them now.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, finally 1 wish to plead for tolerance and understanding in this House and pray that wisdom would build this honourable House; good judgment will make it secure so that knowledge furnishes every room with all the fresh and pleasant things that wealth can buy.

Mr, Speaker, Sir, I thank you for this opportunity to address this honourable House this morning.

(Acclamation) HON. RATU M.V. TUISAWAU.- The honourable Mr. Speaker, honourable Members of this House, I am grateful that I am given the opportunity and privilege of standing here in this honourable House to welcome His Excellency's speech.

First of all, Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to the voters of the Rewa Province for their faith in me, together with my colleague, that we are able to be made Members of this honourable House.

Mr. Speaker, in my address to this House, I would be talking about so many matters that need to be aired in this House. I would like to say that the tenor of some of my remarks may be more candid than those that have been heard so far in this House but not so offensive, Mr. Speaker.

I take as my guidance, Mr. Speaker, a remark made by an eminent Member of the Philippine Government when he addressed the Joint Sessions of Congress (there was a bit of strained relationship between the United States Government and the Philippine people). One of his remarks was: "What is friendship without Ihe accolade of candour? What is friendship without the duty of being frank?"

Also, Mr. Speaker, may I quote a famous French writer, Alex de Tocqueville, who said "Man wiil not receive the truths from the enemies, it is very seldom offered to them by their friends." On this very account, I have frankly uttered it. I hope, Mr. Speaker and the honourable Members of this House, that you bear with me when I may speak candidly on one or two issues.

I would like first of all, Mr. Speaker, to thank His Excellency for his gracious speech, when addressing this House on matters of importance Eo our nation. I fully subscribe to many of the points that His Excellency had mentioned and I congratulate His Excellency for His Address, Mr. Speaker.

By the same token, [ would like lo congratulate yourself for your accession to the important post of Speaker and the exemplary conduct which you have so far displayed in managing the affairs of this House.

HON. GOVERNMENT MEMBERS.- Hear, hear!

HON. RATU M.V. TUISAWAU.- i'would also like to congratulate the honourable Prime Minister and his team for being successful in forming the Government of the day. I myself and my colleague, a small minority, fully endorse and support his administration.

HON. GOVERNMENT MEMBERS.- Vinakal

HON. RATU M.V. TUISAWAU.- One of the things that impressed some of us, Mr. Speaker, in the last election was the mandate given by the people to the party that is governing the country today. A little analysis of this figure as regards ihe provinces for Viti Levu, would reveal that almost 50 per cent of the Fijian voters did not place their total faith in the SVT Party formulated by the Council of Chiefs which is the Government of the day. Of course, many observers will have different views of interpretations. To me that is a sort of endorsement by the majority of the Fijian people, from a very large part of Viti Levu, whose matters entrusted to the Council of Chiefs had not been fully addressed in many past years. I think the culmination has been left especially when we contrast the figures in the provinces of Viti Levu with other provinces in other parts of Fiji.

When we look back, Mr. Speaker, what are some matters that might affect some of the views of the people of Viti Levu. There are quite many and well known but in the interest of those who voted me in, I think this should be candidly addressed in this House. The first, Mr. Speaker, is that the voters of the province of Rewa and indeed the majority of people in the "Vanua of Burebasaga, consider it their view that when His Excellency, the Governor decides to retire in the future, the position should rightly revolve to the Vanua of Burebasaga.

I would be less than honest if I were not to give those views in this House because I think the preservation of unity among the Fijian people has been advocated by the party that represent the Council of Chiefs. It is their considered view that it would be highly insulting and effrontery to the Vanua of Burebasaga if the proper order of succession does not take place in that manner.

Should that be done otherwise by the Council of Chiefs, I am authorised to warn in this House that appropriate action will be taken accordingly within the Saw.

(Applause)

There are various other matters that need to be said candidly, Mr. Speaker, namely the standing grievances in the various vanua of Viti Levu; for instance the administration of land being in the hands of people appointed by the Council of Chiefs to the Native Land Trust Board. Quite a lot of the people who serve on that Board either have very little land or have nothing much to do in areas that are under lease in Viti Levu.

The other point that has been worrying them over the years is the setting up of a body called the Native Land Development Corporation (NLDC) which, as many of the Members of this House know, Mr. Speaker, resulted in the native owners of land receiving 3.75 per cent of the total income that results from the development of their land; 3.75 per cent after development cost and after the NLTB docks its 25 per cent share. In other words, out of the $10,000 paid for a block for example, about $375 goes into the pocket of the landowners and the rest of the $10,000 is shared among developers and what not. I believe when you look at the Memorandum Article of Association, it is made in such a way to put the Fijian owners of land in a very, very disastrous situation. What I am told is that the whole thing was set up by a limited liability company headed by Mr Adam Dickson. Adam Dickson, I believe, is quite active in many of these areas which, in the end, penalises the Fijian landowners. The other matter I have been asked about is Agricultural Landlords and Tenants Aet (ALTA).

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in view of (he Fijian owners, they are the owners of the fee simple title, the freehold title of the land. In the time of Ratu Sukuna, who set up the Native Land Trust Board and so forth, they never surrendered, the fee simple title over land, I am told this has been confirmed by the various rulings of the High Court, yet they are concerned that they are relegated to second position and so forth. They are not consulted about many of the various important things relating to their land, specifically in relation to Section 3 of the Native Land Act First set up by Sir Arthur Gordon in 1880, which guarantees the Fijians their right to occupy native lands according to native custom. Whether the native land is inside the reserve or outside the reserve, it does not really matter. But thai administration in the past has ignored these various important points.

Secondly, Section 9 of the Native Land Trust Act which is a mandatory clause as far as the Native Land Trust Board is concerned, I believe this has been overlooked or disregarded to the detriment of the Fijian owners. We meet this problem, Mr. Speaker, as was highly publicised by the group of Fijian landowners sitting on their ancestral land, yet all the forces of the State were focused on them to kick them out, namely in Delainavesi. We had to scrounge around and all that, pay for lawyers and some lawyers came to give their services free. We were just able to put off the monolithic power of the State and all its tentacles from kicking out these people. These are some of the problems that face Fijians in Viti Levu, honourable Speaker.

Fishing rights: a lot of our fishing rights in various parts of this island where a lot of development goes on is again totally disregarded. The law, it seems is laid down very clearly, that consultation with fishing right owners is a matter of priority but they are often disregarded. Even the Lands Department, Mr. Speaker, goes ahead and puts advertisements in the paper calling for developers of big chunks of mangrove swamp near the Regent Hotel, without following the procedures laid down by law. Mr. Speaker, 1 am stating the sort of grievances among the people of Viti Levu which are, perhaps, culminating in the type of results visible from the last General Election, whereby less or round about 50 per cent went to their organisation.

The other thing that worries them, Mr, Speaker, is the arrogant and cavalier attitudes towards their chiefs. When they go to have their meeting in the Council of Chiefs, the internationally recognised procedures would be that in important meetings of that sort, as in this House, or any other important meeting, you are given a notice of the agenda of the meeting 14 days ahead so that you can study what are to be discussed. Here, our chiefs of Viti Levu are given this document at the door, so, they come in there and they have no chance whatsoever to study it. I do not know whether the proceedings and the resolutions of the Council of Chiefs, based on such flimsy legal procedures, would be able to stand up in a Court of Law. I have my fears.

HON. S.B. BUTADROKA.- Speak to Queen Victoria. HON. RATU M.V. TUISAWAU.- That sort of thing, Mr. Speaker, culminates in a type of document that leaves many of the chiefly houses on this island seething with anger. When you read the Fiji Republic Gazette dated Monday 18th May, 1992, No. 42, signed by Navunisaravi, he classifies chiefs into various categories. The people of this island are shocked to the core to see that the house they respect, namely, the Turaga-na-Ratu Mai Verata, is. classified as a Class C chief. That is a third grade chief. Also, the chief of Bau, Cakobau, is another very revered name here, but since he is a Member of this House, I think modesty prevents me from mentioning that honourable name.

What I am saying, Mr. Speaker, if we are going for unity and we are given this kind of treatment, what is the point of going ahead? We are treated as second or third-class citizens. I am saying all these, Mr. Speaker, in the hope that the new Government would have time to look into what we consider genuine grievances, that it may be rectified for the good of all of us. I would not go into the other context which is well known because of all the races that are domiciled here, with minor ruffling and so forth, but we get on fairly good as a team - we work together. I beg to give some of the remarks that has been made by my honourable colleague from Rewa, with respect of course.

(Laughter)

Similarly with the honourable Minister who was talking about religion and all that the other day - the Diwali; I also totally disassociate myself in this regard.

(Laughter)

But what I am saying, Mr. Speaker, in this land here in Viti Levu, we work together reasonably as a team as we carry on. But sometimes when we see the kind of treatment that is meted out to us, we sometimes wonder whether we should be singing that refrain which youngsters sing now and then: "Please release me." We are not loud any more, maybe, I do not know. On a serious note, Mr. Speaker, the high chiefs of Kubuna, Burebasaga and the high chiefs of Tovaca were independent slates up to 9th October, 1874.

On 10th October, they surrendered their sovereignty to Her Majesty's Government, Queen Victoria, for the sake of getting together and getting on with the business of government in a new regime. That is the way we look at it but we are working together as a team. If those types of policies denigrate us and if our able children are denied their rightful place in various occupations and so forth, then we have a right to ask ourselves, what is the point of going along? Maybe we are not wanted. Maybe we should set ourselves a separate state, like Western Samoa. Maybe this is for the good of the country, but of course, wiser counsels prevail, Mr. Speaker.

We are not as immature as that, and we have every faith in the Government that is running the country at the moment. Of course, the present Government again, have their own problems.

In the past, in Bavadra's time, there were Indians to look around to and they became the scapegoats, but they are in a terrible position and they do not have any Indian scapegoats there.