Seminar Series: Abstract

FIJI: The Case for Change, Peace and Progress-A presentation on the Peoples Charter
John Samy

At the time it attained independence in October, 1970, the people of Fiji held high hopes of their country’s overall situation and the prospects of its developing nationhood as a sovereign state. Back then, Fiji was fondly described by its people as “the way the World should be”. Some thirty nine years later, these hopes and aspirations appear to be shattered. Instead of becoming a tolerant, united and prosperous nation, in the wake of successive coups since May, 1987, Fiji is characterised by persistent political instability; economic stagnation including a sharp rise in poverty; increasing religious and racial intolerance; and rising incidence of crime and violence. In brief, Fiji has fundamental, deep-rooted problems which have tended to persist for the past two decades, since the coups of 1987. Soon after it was appointed in early 2007, the Interim Government launched the Peoples Charter initiative. As a national level, inclusive and participatory undertaking, the Peoples Charter process was seen as Fiji’s own way of addressing its deep-rooted, complex problems. This presentation will provide facts-based information on the whole Peoples Charter process; on the role anticipated of and as played by the various key stakeholders; and on the overall outcomes to-date.