WELCOME REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI
HON. DR. JIKO LUVENI
AT THE 29TH SESSION OF THE ACP-EU JOINT PARLIMENTARY ASSEMBLY
15 JUNE 2015
GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL
SUVA
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The Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Hon. Josaia Voreqe
Bainimarama,
Hon.Louis MICHEL: Co-President (EU),
Hon. Fitz JACKSON: Co-President (ACP),
His Excellency Marco AGUIRIANO NALDA: Co Secretary-General (EU),
His Excellency, Dr. Patrick I GOMES: Co-Secretary-General (ACP),
Fellow Parliamentarians.
Distinguished Guests.
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INTRODUCTION
- It is with great honour and pleasure that the people of Fiji join me in welcoming you all, Parliamentarians, delegates and special guests to Suva, Fiji, on the occasion ofthe 29thSession of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
- Fiji is honoured to host this important meeting. I also wish to acknowledge the support of our Pacific islandneighbours for the trust and confidence they have placed upon Fiji to host this important Assembly in the Pacific region.
- Fiji is not only gifted with the presence of diverse cultures but also a rich mixture of vibrant, exuberant natural beauty and hospitality. The Fiji islands are arrayed in a horseshoeconfigurationscattered over 1,290,000 square km of the South Pacific Ocean. Home to over 880,000 Fijians.
- It was onlya fewshort months ago, on September 17th last year, that Fiji held its General Elections under a new Constitution, premised on the basis of one vote, one value, to return to democratic rule.Since then Fiji has not only made substantial progress in the restoration of democratic principles in the country but having a first woman speaker of Parliament (myself). Now every Fijian enjoys equal opportunity and a common identity – that of being a ‘Fijian’.
The [2013] Constitution:
- Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our [2013] Constitution is the inspiration of our multi-cultural, multi-racial Nation; to live in peace, harmony, equality, democracy and the rule of law for the realization of a better united Fiji. The Constitution has not only strengthened the equal recognition of all Fiji citizens under the law, but has further enhanced the protection and promotion of human rights as well as social and economic rights.
FIJI-THE ECONOMY AND ROLE OF WOMEN:
- Excellencies, Distinguished Participants,the attainment of good governance, economic growth and stability in the context of sustainable development, are fundamental principles to the progress and development of Fiji’s Political and Economic society.
- In this regard, Fiji has exerted maximum effort in ourbid to improve service delivery through the Government structural reforms introduced in 2012. This includes strengthening of our Primary Industries, which is the backbone of Fiji’s economy,as it contributes around 12 per cent to our GDP and employing about 60 per cent of our people. Our private and financial sector is developing well and stable.These sectors are critical to our economic development and sustained livelihoods and, their efficiency is a prime factor driving our economic growth. Fiji is currently enjoying the most sustained period of economic growth in its history, with the real possibility of creating more jobs and raising the living standards of all Fijians.
- Fiji is setting out on the path of genuine gender equality and it is a goal we intend to accomplish. At 13.4 per cent, Fiji is currently leading in the region in average, in the representation of women in our Parliament. With the first female Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ro Temumu Kepa, four women holding portfolios in Government – two Ministers and two Assistant Ministers. The Secretary General to Parliament and her Deputy in the Parliamentary Secretariat are also women. Women hold high posts in both the Private Sector and Academia and this is an encouraging trend. Government remainscommitted to further ensuring a conducive environment for all, especially our women and children in their development and progress.
ACP-EU JOINT PALIMENTARY ASSEMBLY AND EDF11:
- Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly has over the years demonstrated progress as an effective instrument of parliamentary cooperation in dealing with the development challenges of ACP countries, as well as in the promotion of democracy and human rights. I am confident that through the JPA’s rigorous and dynamic system, our common threats of climate change, food security, economic crises, terrorism to name a few,can be effectively tackled.
CONCLUSION
10Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,To conclude, it is important to underscore that our Partnership and solidarity areabsolutely vital to address the many challenges that confront us.We do so bearing in mind the principles of democracy, respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- I wish you all the very best in your deliberations and successful outcome over the next few days.Finally, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy and witness the unique sceneries and hospitality of the people of Fiji.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you – Vinaka vakalevu.
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