Grubsheet is taking a complete break for the next couple of weeks and not a moment too soon, judging from the following missive from one of my most devoted readers.
It is a good time to do so, between the second and third readings of the draft constitution bill and before things really hot up, assuming the bill is passed by the parliament in just under a month, we have a referendum and an election date is set.
Wise advice. So I am packing my bags and effing off to put my feet up and have some quality time with my long-suffering Marama. We are heading for a Pacific destination where I am least likely to be detained.
So until I return… sota tale!
NOTE:
Please keep the comments coming in my absence and I will also do my best to clear them. Oh, and to my reader who told me where to get off:
For at least two decades publicly and for 15 years in these columns, I have promoted equality for all ethnic groups and religions in Fiji. The common and equal citizenry, the common identity and the secular state was in the 2013 constitution and it survives in this one.
I can understand your frustration but there you are. You can take out that frustration on me as much as you like but barring another coup to assert indigenous supremacy, there is no turning back.
I can scarcely believe that Sitiveni Rabuka and those around him finally realised that Frank and Aiyaz were on the right side of history with the 2013 Constitution and have adopted its core principles. But they have and so should you.
We all have the same opportunities (under the supreme law, at least), we are all Fijian and all religions are equal in the eyes of the state. Which is as it should be. So do try to get used to it for your own sake. Because kicking the cat – me- isn’t going to make a jot of difference.
Miaow.
For someone to use those words to describe the 2013 constitution, that person sounds like someone who went to prison under the very constitution. You will note it’s only criminals who are upset by laws that govern a country.