I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, ki Nadonumai, vua na Turaga na Tui Suva, and pay my respect to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and acknowledge their role in caring for the Vanua.
Honorable Speaker,
It is my duty, as Prime Minister, to commend this Motion, that this Honourable House, thanks His Excellency the President of the Sovereign Democratic Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu, Na Gone Turaga Bale Na Tui Cakau, for his most gracious speech that opened this 2025 Session of The Parliament, the House of Representatives, on Monday 24th February, 2025.
He reminded all of us, that this moment also provides us an opportunity to reflect on our collective vision for our beloved nation; a vision that is focused on progress, prosperity, and unity.
As Representatives of the people of Fiji, it is our responsibility to shape the future of our beloved nation and its people, by continuing to build up a society that is just, peaceful and resilient.
As a nation, we must walk together in unity, ensuring that no one is left behind in our quest for economic growth, security, prosperity and sustainable development.
I echo the words of His Excellency: “… this Parliament is not just a chamber of debate, but a House of Hope…” Might I add that it is indeed a Beacon of Stewardship, a Fountain of Progress, and the Epitome of the democratic spirit that binds us together as one people, one nation with one destiny.
This is our solemn responsibility – to serve is to lead with integrity, in building a better future for all Fijians.
During the past two years, we in this august House, have set direction, shaped policies, and enacted laws that enabled us to turn the corner, drive development, lift up our people and strengthen our resilience in the face of the challenges of our time.
His Excellency urged us to set our sights high; that our vision for the future must encompass inclusivity, sustainability and resilience. We must continue to build a Fiji where every citizen can succeed, where our environment is preserved for generations to come, and where we work hand in hand with our neighbours to promote peace and stability at home and in our Region. In other words, we must never grow weary in doing good, for surely, we, and those after us, will harvest the manifold blessings of God, the very One in whom we live and move and have our being.
The world today faces rapid changes, economic shifts, and the existential threat brought about by the climate crisis. Together, they will test our resolve to breaking point. But, as a Nation of God-fearing people, we can boast that we are a nation built on faith, on love and the indomitable spirit of unity. It has been exactly those moments of trials and pain that have inspired our will, hardened our resolve and brought us closer together.
Let us take a moment to recognize the strength and resilience of our people, and to pay tribute to our founding fathers, our past leaders and members who have served in this august House. They laid the foundation of this nation and on their shoulders we stand today.
While His Excellency rightly pointed to the virtues of the late Nelson Mandela, and I want to support that by focusing on our local heroes; the great chiefs who ceded these islands to Great Britain in 1874, the great Chief, Statesman and Soldier, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, the great leaders who negotiated our Terms of Independence – the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the late Mr. A.D. Patel, the late Mr. S.M. Koya, the late Mr Jai Ram Reddy, the late Ratu Sir George Kadavulevu Cakobau, the late Ratu Sir Penaia Kanatabatu Ganilau. Those that played very important support roles in those formative and transitional years – the late Lady Ro Lalabalavu Mara, the late Dr Ratu J.A.R. Dovi and Adi Losalini Dovi, the late Mrs Irene Jai Narain, the noises that became the voices of the workers – the late Apisai Tora, Taniela Veitata, and Kavekini Navuso. They would have been thrilled had they lived long enough to witness the outcome of the negotiations on the Vatukoula Miners’ grievances and protests that started in 1991.
I also pay my respects to my predecessors, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ‘o Lau, the late Dr Timoci Uluivuda Bavadra, Na Turaga iTaukei Werecakaca of Viseisei Vuda, the late Laisenia Qarase, Na Turaga Tui Kobuco of Mavana, Vanuabalavu, Lau, and Admiral (Ret’d) Ratu Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Na Itaukei Nabinivonu, of Kiuva, Bau, Tailevu. (I’m suddenly aware, Mr Speaker, that when people mention my name in the future, it will be without any Traditional Titles, apart from the one graciously bestowed on me by the Chief and people of Leauva’a Village, in Samoa recently – a Title which simply means ‘a Fighter of some notoriety’!)
We also remember those that had made the supreme sacrifice in World War 1 and World War 2, Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu, VC, in the Malayan Campaign and in latter years in Peacekeeping Operations under the banners of the United Nations and the Multinational Forces and Observers.
These were men and women who had trodden the paths of Leadership in this great small Island State of Fiji, and we are their successors. We owe it to them and Fijians of today and the future, to lead ‘justly, to love mercy and walk humbly before our God’ (from the Old Testament Bible Book of the Prophet Michah 6:8)
Let us use the examples left to us by these chiefs, embrace their wisdom, emulate their courage and work together. Only through this shall we “turn challenges into opportunities and transforming aspirations into achievements for all Fijians” as His Excellency the President had underscored.
Because of their Service and sacrifice, Fiji can never be classified as a Beggar as some sarcastic Fijians, post on Social Media their thoughts that when the Hon DPM, Professor Biman Prasad, DPM Kamikamica and I visit our Development Partners, we go with our ‘Begging Bowls’, and ask when we return, whether we have been given Gifts or Grants for our Development Programmes, I want to assure all Fijians of today and of the future, Fiji can never be classified as a ‘beggar’.
Fiji, has played its part in global conflicts of the past, as it continues to play its part in Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution efforts of today, that it has earned its place as a global player, perhaps ‘punching above its own weight’ and rightfully earned its place among nations in the global fight for humanity today.
We may be classified as a Small Developing Economy, but I must say that we are proud to have stood with other great powers in past world wars, Commonwealth Wars and United Nations Peacekeeping and have so rightfully earned ‘our stripes’ and place among Nations and we are not beggars!
We have been reminded by His Excellency that this Parliament must always be a place where ideas flourish, where debates are driven by purpose, and where every decision is made with the people’s best interests at heart.
Let us commit and promise to our youth – the future of this great nation – to tirelessly pursue a brighter, wealthier and more peaceful nation – the Nation of their dreams, ambitions, and which their hard work will define as the destiny of our nation. Let us be bold in our aspirations, relentless in our pursuit of excellence, and unwavering in our commitment to build a better Fiji that thrives through unity and prosperity.
His Excellency noted that “We live in challenging times. The whole world is experiencing the same phenomenon. No one is spared from these challenges.”
Rights and Responsibilities
Although the benefits of development, particularly technological advancements are reaching most of us, we cannot deny the fact that many of our people are still left out. Exploiting their plight, particularly on social media is demeaning.
We must be cautious and ensure that information shared on social media is accurate, that it reflects reality and is intended for the common good, rather than exacerbating division.”
So, the use of our freedom of expressions, with the far-reaching effects of Information Technology, can be exceedingly harmful to family and customary relationships. Might I echo the words of His Excellency, that we must use them wisely and without malice.
Let us use our words to encourage not to disparage!
Unity, Leadership and Service
His Excellency reflected on his own journey as a public officer, politician, Parliamentary Speaker and now as President, and thought about what would inspire one to act, particularly at this time of uncertainty due to the fast-changing environment.
He felt that as President, and a traditional leader, he must take the first step in making the necessary adjustments to meet the demands of modern-day Fiji, and urged us here today, including those listening on the radio or watching on television or livestream, in particular our traditional leaders, that we must all remain firmly committed to working together to build a vibrant and prosperous Fiji.
I echo His Excellency’s words that “it’s time for united and collective action rather than just grand speeches, talk and rhetoric”.
We need to plan and act out our plans.
Let us engage in respectful dialogue and constructive debate..
As national leaders, we are called for the common good of our people. Our focus must be on our commonality and shared destiny. Together, we can build a better future – one that reflects the aspirations of all our citizens.
His Excellency has called on members of the Great Council of Chiefs to do the same.
I am firmly committed to transformational leadership. To me this means that we must be compassionate, we must have empathy and focus on equity.
Most importantly, we must continue embracing inclusivity rather than assimilation.
We recognize that multi-culturalism does not exist in isolation. It is based on the originality of the various ethnic groups, for therein lies the rich mix of our diversity which we must embrace and nurture. This is the premise that undergirds Fiji’s agency that leads to creativity, innovation and new ways of doing things. These are the catalysts for entrepreneurship, and above all, vibrancy and growth.
Through these, our long-term vision is within reach – a dynamic nation that will enjoy lasting peace, progress and prosperity.
Economic Growth and Development
Honourable Speaker, we must acknowledge the socio-economic challenges that we face today as a nation.
While the challenges are significant, they nonetheless present opportunities for transformation and growth.
Fiji stands at a critical juncture in its history. Our socio-economic challenges are undeniable, yet our resolve to overcome them must remain solid.
Honorable Speaker,
In addition, Government will:
A nation’s progress is measured not only by its economic achievements but also by the well-being of its people. We will ensure that there is equity to minimize the risk of our people falling into the vicious cycle of poverty.
Honourable Speaker, to appreciate the economic status of our nation, we must consider the reality that we are a very small country, with a narrow-based, and vulnerable economy.
We hardly have control of the supply-chain. This can be seen in the cost of petroleum products which we very much depend on for transportation, and to some extent, for power generation. Basically, we have very little control over inflation because we depend on the high volume of imports – thus imported inflation. All we can do, is to manage ourselves better, yet we have no control over exogenous factors.
While our domestic economy has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, there are still many challenges besetting our country.
In 2024 our growth forecast was revised upwards to 3.8 percent from the initial projection of 2.8 percent.
The higher growth projection was underpinned by renewed confidence in the economy and driven by the services sector, with a better-than-expected rebound in tourism and related sectors.
Similarly, growth for 2025 is projected at 3.4 percent largely driven by the service and related sectors.
A higher growth rate can be achieved easily if we continue improving the business environment for investment, maintain the momentum of economic reforms, ensure political stability and provide confidence through well-crafted and coordinated macroeconomic policies and embrace the rule of law.
Mr Speakers, Sir, whilst the economy has recovered from the effects of Covid19, this recovery has been driven largely by the tourism and financial services sectors. We are committed to broadening the base of our recovery to cushion internal and external shocks. In this regard we will design innovative policies to make all our economic sectors more productive. We will introduce new policies to unlock the potential in our mahogany industry with active participation of the landowners, revitalize our agriculture and construction sectors to name a few.
Food security is also very critical, especially under the current uncertainties in the world trade environment. We must therefore protect our local industries and make them more productive. A more productive economy will encourage new investments, generate more employment and build a prosperous nation.
Although the economy has moved beyond the pre-pandemic level of growth, and Government continues to emphasise fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability, global issues such as geopolitical tension and climate challenges, pose significant downside risks to the medium-term macro-economic fundamentals.
While we note some attempts at Diplomacy to resolve the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, me must still be cautious in our approaches to Policy Developments, Diplomacy and Domestic National Policies and continue to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Mr Speaker, Sir,
With those words, in the time allocated to me, I leave the specific remarks relating to Critical Infrastructure Investments to the respective Ministers and Assistant Ministers and Honourable Government Members and commend the Motion to this Honourable House, and respectfully reserve my Right of Reply at the end of the Debate.
Thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir, and Honourable Members.