Freedom of informaton I COMMEND Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for reminding us all (FT Tuesday, 250214) that the 1997 Constitution did include a provision for the freedom of information. Political parties including Voreqe Bainimaramas party and all aspiring candidates for the next Parliament should be mindful to include freedom of information in their party policies. In September 2004, CCF after preliminary discussion with the Qarase government picked up the cudgel to organise a public workshop on Freedom of Information Law for Fiji. The speakers and participants, about 40 people, included senior journalists, then Minister of Information, other Members of Parliament, academics, lawyers, faith-based and disabled people. Also represented was the New Delhi-based Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. Out of the one-day workshop CCF produced a Draft Freedom of Information Bill 2004 being the outcome of deliberation and made available to the Qarase government. Important to note that the 10 countries ranked by Transparency International Perception Index 2004 as the most corrupt, none had right to information laws. To protect their own current interests and that of future generations Fiji taxpayers must demand the public scrutiny and accountability of all public enterprises in which large amounts of their money are invested. To strengthen accountability and transparency of the FNPF board, all reports into the mismanagement of FNPF funds as well as the reports that have justified the recent changes in pensions, be made public. So heres a chance for a fresh start and new beginning. Reverend Akuila Yabaki Suva
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 01:35:19 +0000
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