My text to Seruiratu was authorized by the PM – Kamikamica

My text to Seruiratu was authorized by the PM – Kamikamica

By Mansi Chand
15/03/2025
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica and Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica has clarified that his text messages to the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu were authorised by the Prime Minister.

Kamikamica made this statement after Seruiratu revealed that he had received text messages from him, offering to maintain the national referendum on the Constitutional Amendment while proposing to lower the 75 percent threshold.

Kamikamica stresses that the messages were a genuine attempt to continue discussions on the Constitution and find common ground.

He says Seruiratu’s outbursts reflect weak leadership and that he remains beholden to his two leaders who ran away from Parliament.

Kamikamica’s advice to the Leader of the Opposition is to grow a spine and think for himself because the old playbook of refusing to change the Constitution is over.

Kamikamica says Seruiratu didn’t see the text as an opportunity for discussion and called it a part of the 16-year dictatorship playbook.

The Deputy Prime Minister says if the Leader of the shrinking Opposition understood the Constitution and the standing orders, they would have at least spoken to them regarding the last minute offer.

He says they did the same when the former Prime Minister was being sanctioned before he ran away from Parliament.

Kamikamica further says according to the Standing Orders and the Constitution, there is a 30-day period between the 2nd and 3rd reading and the standing orders direct that a Committee of Parliament be formed to consult with the People of Fiji.

He says if the Opposition then wanted to reject the Bill after the consultation, they could have done it after the 3rd reading and is wondering whether they are scared to face the people of Fiji.

Kamikamica further says the government is now planning to take the matter to the Supreme Court under Section 91(5) of the Constitution to amend it.

His message to Seruiratu is "They have failed the people of Fiji. They had an opportunity to rise above politics and seek common ground, that was the purpose of my text."

He adds that if the Supreme Court rules to revert to the 1997 Constitution, he would have little say in the matter.

Meanwhile, Seruiratu earlier said that the Opposition has been coming in good faith for dialogue but the government has been evading it.

FEATURE NEWS
Fiji 7s Olympic silver medalist Josaia Raisuqe dies in tragic accident in France
Fiji 7s Olympic silver medalist and Top 14 France base Castres winger Josaia Raisuqe has sadly lost his life while he was on his way for training this...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Urgent need to preserve Girmit history through curriculum, museums and digital records – Dr Ganesh Chand
Unfortunately, so far nothing has been done to preserve the memories of the Girmitiyas and there is a need to introduce it in the school curriculum, ...
8 hours ago

Bangladeshi workers in Koronivia living in very bad conditions - Naupoto
Immigration Minister, Viliame Naupoto says they are in the process of forming a team to include the Immigration Department, the Ministry of ...
8 hours ago

FICAC executes search warrant at Fiji Sports Council premises
FICAC executed a search warrant at the Fiji Sports Council Headquarters earlier today. fijivillage News has asked FICAC for further details on why ...
9 hours ago

Arizona man shot to death in road rage 'returns' to address his killer
Chris Pelkey died in a road rage shooting in Arizona three years ago but with the help of artificial intelligence, he returned earlier this month at ...
10 hours ago

Teachers are nation builders: University of Fiji lecturer inspires at Fiji Teachers Union meeting
A well-supported teacher is empowered to put in more effort and inspire more people, and a child who is given proper attention and support in the ...
10 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
4 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
16 days ago

Daniel Fatiaki and Professor Narsey on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Chair of the Electoral Reform Commission and former Chief Justice, Daniel Fatiaki and Electoral Reform Commissioner and economist, Professor Wadan ...
16 days ago

TOP