![Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka [Photo:Fijian Government]](https://www.fijivillage.com/news_images/110662952963ad445907d389632e6e.jpg)
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says in their first one hundred days in office, they intend to convene a great citizens’ assembly involving Fijians from all walks of life and political persuasions.
In his first national address, Rabuka says its agenda is to add to the manifestos and vision statements of their PA-NFP-SODELPA coalition.
He says they will seek from the delegates their ideas and concepts to complement their plans for building a better, more prosperous and happier nation.
The Prime Minister adds they intend to establish specialist reviews in four key areas, the Constitution and legal reform, the economy, defence and national security, and a forensic examination of the spending of the FijiFirst government.
Rabuka says each review team will include people with expert knowledge, and the teams will report to the appropriate Cabinet member.
He adds that a looming issue is the state of Fiji’s public finances.
He says the government debt may now be above $10 billion and it is a huge burden for a small economy like Fiji.
The Prime Minister says the Minister of Finance will soon be sharing with him and Cabinet, the exact nature of the problem, and he will examine cash flow issues and the structure of debt payment.
He says this will be done in a way that does not impede our development.
Rabuka says other specific tasks include a review of investments in land, a study of various contentious laws to determine whether they should be repealed or amended, an enquiry into the overall financial strength of the Fiji National Provident Fund and the impact of some of its decisions on individual members and pensioners, a study of the new financial arrangement for the operations of the Lautoka and Ba Hospitals, and disbursement of foreign aid money.
To rule through love is to stand with the poorest of the poor – PM Rabuka
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Thursday 29/12/2022
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the idea of love as a mighty force for progress underpins their entire approach to politics and governance.
While speaking during his first national address, Rabuka says we say that love relates to those human virtues that help give a nation moral strength, compassion and unity, and through these values, we will reach true nationhood.
He says in an ethnically and culturally diverse country, love is accepting that differences are part of Fiji’s national identity and that we all belong here.
He adds it is about showing malice towards none, forgiving our enemies, and being considerate neighbours and our neighbours are not just the families next door, but they are everywhere.
The Prime Minister says to rule through love is to stand with the poorest of the poor and help them find new hope.
He says love embraces humility and empathy - the ability to share and understand the feelings of others.
Rabuka says the fear that has haunted Fiji since 2006 is now fading, and soon it will be gone, and love will ensure it never returns.
He further says that he is honour bound to serve the people of Fiji with every fibre of his being.
He calls on all Fijians to unite with him and his parliamentary colleagues so we can journey together free and equal, bound by our deep love for Fiji and our desire for happiness and prosperity.
