Submission calls for Fiji flag to represent the 14 provinces

The Fiji flag should be redesigned to include the 14 provinces of Fiji and have 14 stars to represent each province.

This is one of the 17 issues raised by the Fiji Manufacturers Association and Herbal Association of Fiji to the Constitution Commission.

President Humphrey Chang said that the emblem should focus on Fiji’s main economic products as banana is no longer a big economic earner for Fiji.

He said this could be replaced by tourism or people.

He said the national anthem is too long and should have shorter verses.

Both the organizations also recommended that the position of the Prime Minister is done away with and the President hold the highest power should also rule and not be merely symbolic.

They also suggested that the membership of Commonwealth should be abolished and Fiji should stand alone.

They also believe that it is not appropriate to call all the citizens of Fiji, Fijians.

Chang said that a common identity is one which should be thoroughly debated and their suggestion is that all are called “FIJI ISLANDERS”.

The associations recommended that English should be the official language as everybody speaks it.

Chang suggested that too many regulations and legislations are a hindrance to business and an elected government should review some of the old Fiji laws and update them as appropriate.

He said the review of laws should capture laws which are inconsistent with the new constitution, but also laws which unjust.

The submission also said that support and incentives must be given to startups for manufacturing such as tax free holidays.

He told the Commission that manufacturing must be linked to import substitution and job creation.

He said Fiji needs a strong rural agricultural base.

The associations in their submission have also raised concern that the cost of telecommunication remains high and it must be addressed to allow for more investment into the country as every encouragement must be given to setting up.


Story by: Sneh Chaudhry