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PARLIAMENT NEWSLETTER 2022 Parliament Quarterly Newsletter Issue No.

2 : April–June PIONEER MENTORING WORKSHOP FOR ASPIRING WOMEN POLITICIANS Suva participants listened attentively during the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Fiji Group Mentoring Workshop for Aspiring Women Politicians at Suva Civic Centre in May, 2022.
A total of one hundred and ninety (192) women around Fiji two a empowered during were Commonwealth Women pioneer (‘CWP’) Fiji Group Parliamentarians for Aspiring Mentoring Workshop Women Politicians held virtually in Suva, Nadi and Labasa on May 18th, 2022.

According to the Chairperson of the CWP Fiji Group, Hon.

Veena Bhatnagar, for the workshop was organised interested women who to intend participate in the political arena.

“Today marks the first ever workshop organised by the CWP Fiji Group.
The mentoring workshop is for interested women who intend to participate in the Political arena or who are planning to become a Woman or deciding Politician.” “We, your women Members of Parliament, have come together as a joined group under the CWP Fiji towards Group, working Parliamentary and empowering women.” “We different backgrounds but we all made it to Parliament.
Hence, it is just proper that we take this opportunity to empower and equip, interested and courageous individuals as yourselves to take on the leadership roles in our nation’s political arena,” said Hon.

Bhatnagar.

Women Members of Parliament who were part of the virtual workshop included Hon.

Bhatnagar, Hon.

Ro Teimumu Kepa and Hon.

Lenora Qereqeretabua who were in Labasa, Hon.

Rosy Akbar and Hon.

Selai Adimaitoga at the Nadi venue while together democracy came from all It Hon.

Premila Kumar, Hon.
Premila Kumar, Hon.

Tanya Waqanika and Hon.

Mere Naulumatua were at the Suva venue.

They were joined together virtually and in-person and shared their experiences and guided aspiring Fijian women on what to expect in a political career.

the Hon.

Bhatnagar acknowledged immense by contribution made the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, New Zealand, through the Tai A Kiwa Programme towards the workshop.
“The impact of your kind contribution towards this workshop goes beyond the is institution of Parliament.

also helping Fiji in its desire to be a nation of informed, inclusive and empowering citizens, empowered women especially in the custom and traditional society that we live in,” said Hon.

Bhatnagar.

A participant from the Soqosoqo Vaka- Marama in Nabua, Mrs Akisi Korodrau described the workshop as fruitful and a good learning ground for aspiring women Parliamentarians.
“It was fruitful workshop, especially learning about the issues that one needs in order to join Parliament.

After the workshop, we came back and shared what we learned with our Soqosoqo Vaka- Marama iTaukei colleagues.” “However, I think that parties standing in the upcoming election should have encouraged their women candidates to join the workshop as they would have benefitted a lot from it,” said Mrs Korodrau.
indeed a very NEXT PARLIAMENT SITTING JULY Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun AUGUST Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun SEPTEMBER Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun KEYS PUBLIC HOLIDAY PARLIAMENT SITTING DAYS NEWS INSIDE 2 EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT IN EVERYDAY LIFE – SPEAKER AND CHANCELLOR OF UNIVERSITY OF FIJI SGP REMINDS PREFECTS OF BAULEVU HIGH AND KOROQAQA PRIMARY SCHOOLS THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR ROLES INTER–PARLIAMENTARY RELATIONS AND PROTOCOL: APRIL–JUNE 2022 STANDING COMMITTEES OF PARLIAMENT APRIL–JUNE 2022 COMMITTEES AT WORK IN OTHER EVENTS BEHIND THE SCENES SWEARING IN : NEW MP www.parliament.gov.fj “A Parliament responsive to the needs of the people and driven by the ideal of a better quality of life for all Fijians” 2/ 2022 Parliament Quarterly Newsletter Issue No.
2 EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT IN EVERYDAY LIFE – SPEAKER AND CHANCELLOR OF UNIVERSITY OF FIJI E reminded the new graduates ducation equips us to make quality decisions as an individual, for our communities and for our nation.

In an increasingly competitive world, education has become a necessity for individual growth and for success in life and nation- building.

These were the comments by the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament and Chancellor of the University of Fiji, His Excellency the Hon.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau during the graduation ceremony that was held at the University of Fiji, Saweni campus on Friday, 27 May 2022. to He never forget to acknowledge those who supported them throughout their journey.

“Today, you have reached a milestone towards your endless journey.

And you really deserve to celebrate – which I encourage – your hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
But never forget to acknowledge those who have supported you in your journey, your parents and families, guardians, sponsors and lecturers without whose support you would not have reached this far,” he said.

Hon.

Ratu Epeli also acknowledged the University for reaching another milestone and encouraged many to pursue their education here.

“Today’s crop adds up to 5,400-plus students who have successfully graduated from the University since 2008 – in such a short time.
This is quite an achievement for a university that is still in its infancy.” “I encourage families living in the Western Division to take full advantage of UniFiji’s presence and the opportunity for higher Speaker of Parliament and Chancellor of the University of Fiji, H.E Hon.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau awarding a graduate with his medal.

education for their children here,” said Hon.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.


School of Business and Economics Gold Medalist and receiver for Vice- Chancellor’s Award, Mohammed Zameel beamed with joy while he acknowledged the numerous support he received while pursuing his studies.

“First of all, I would like to thank the Almighty God for giving me the success today.

This is not an achievement of my own, but holds numerous sacrifices behind it.
I acknowledge my parents and lecturers as well.” “The COVID-19 pandemic was really hard on us, but the support I got from the people around me was excellent.

A lot of late night sacrifices as studies was my main priority during those days,” said Mr Zameel.

A total of four hundred and four (404) students various programmes.

graduated from Graduates during the 2022 University of Fiji Graduation at Saweni Campus.

Speaker of Parliament and Chancellor of the University of Fiji, H.E Hon.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau during the 2022 University of Fiji Graduation.

Issue No.

2 2022 Parliament Quarterly Newsletter /3 SGP REMINDS PREFECTS OF BAULEVU HIGH AND KOROQAQA PRIMARY SCHOOLS THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR ROLES T he Secretary-General to the Fijian Parliament, Mrs Jeanette Emberson has reminded the newly inducted prefects of Baulevu High School and Koroqaqa Primary School, the importance of their roles and responsibilities.
While officiating as Chief Guest at the induction ceremony, Mrs Emberson said that the school community has invested a great deal of trust in them and they need to lead by example.

“I wish to remind you that the School, the Principal, the Teachers, and your fellow students have invested a great deal of trust and responsibilities in you.” “As leaders, prefects are there to serve.

Good prefects lead by setting examples to their fellow students.
And I must stress this – It is not an easy task to lead,” she said.

“Remember that there is a lot of trust being invested in prefects.

The school expects that this investment will give good results for the School in terms of the effective and efficient day-to-day functions of the School.” Mrs Emberson also emphasised that their roles now will also groom them to be future leaders.
“So, what is happening today is not just the School giving the new prefects their official titles or special roles as prefects – the whole School is in fact investing in you as leaders not just for this School year but also grooming you for the future as leaders in your communities,” said Mrs Emberson.

to Parliament, As Secretary-General to her daily Mrs Emberson related The Secretary-General to Parliament, Mrs Jeanette Emberson with the newly inducted Baulevu High School prefects and school teachers.
Also in the picture is the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon.

Vijay Nath (2nd from right) who is also the Manager for the School committee.

official leadership roles and duties in Parliament to remind the prefects of their responsibilities.

“The position of Secretary-General to Parliament comes with a lot of responsibilities.
Just like a prefect, I have to maintain integrity, have confidence to do the work, be a good listener, a good communicator, be honest and be accountable to others.

I have to set examples to my staff and show them that irrespective of where we sit on the ladder, we are all there to serve Parliament and the Fijian people,” said Mrs Emberson.
She further advised the student prefects that the badge is not a symbol of power or a show of force but a symbol of great leadership, and responsibility, good dedication.

“As a prefect, you act as a bridge between the Teachers and students.

You are there to assist your Teachers to maintain a quality class, maintain vigilance, provide some guidance to students and very importantly be good role models to your peers,” said Mrs Emberson.
She congratulated and wished the newly inducted prefects well in their new appointed roles.

“Never forget your parents, guardians and friends who have helped nurture you and have supported you to get to where you are today.

Be good and be humble leaders, and I wish you well,” Mrs Emberson added.

The Secretary-General to Parliament, Mrs Jeanette Emberson officiating as Chief Guest for the Baulevu High School prefect induction.

With the Baulevu High School Senior prefects after their induction.
With the Koroqaqa Primary School senior prefects, teachers and parents.

With the Koroqaqa Primary School senior prefects.

4/ 2022 Parliament Quarterly Newsletter Issue No.

2 INTER–PARLIAMENTARY RELATIONS AND PROTOCOL: APRIL–JUNE 2022 W e b i n a r s / M e e t i n g s NO.

INVITATION COUNTRY/ HOST DATE DELEGATION 01 41st Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Strasbourg, France 01–04 April 1.

Hon.

Alvick Maharaj 02 CPA – Mid–Year CPA Executive Committee Meeting Assam, India 09–10 April 1.
H.E Ratu Epeli Nailatikau 03 Preparatory Meeting for the ACP–EU JPA Drafting Committee Brussels, Belgium 04 May 1.

Hon.

Alvick Maharaj 04 Drafting Committee on the ACP–EU JPA Rules of Procedures Brussels, Belgium 06 May 1.

Hon.

Alvick Maharaj 05 RSIS-WTO Virtual Parliamentarian Workshop on International Trade 2022 Singapore 09–13 May 1.

Ms Komal Khushboo 06 Drafting Committee on the ACP–EU JPA Rules of Procedures Brussels, Belgium 13 May 1.

Hon.
Hon.

Alvick Maharaj 07 Preparatory Meeting of the JPA Rules of Procedure Brussels, Belgium 16 May 1.

Hon.

Alvick Maharaj 08 Drafting Committee meeting of the ACP–EU JPA Rules of Procedures Brussels, Belgium 17 May 1.

Hon.

Alvick Maharaj 09 Pacific Island Parliament Group (PIPG) Technical Meeting French Polynesia 08 June 1.

Mr Josua Namoce 2.

Mr Senitieli Wainiu C o u r t e s y C a l l s NO.


01 02 03 04 Courtesy Call by the new Non–Resident High Commissioner of Canada to Fiji, H.E Ms Joanne Lemay to H.E Hon.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (Speaker of Parliament) INVITATION COUNTRY Canada DATE 12 April Courtesy Call by the new Non–Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Fiji, H.E Mrs Ömür Ünsay to H.E Hon.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (Speaker of Parliament) Turkey 3 May Courtesy Call by the new Non–Resident Ambassador designate for the Czech Republic to Fiji, H.E Mr Tomáš Dub to H.E Hon.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (Speaker of Parliament) Czech Republic 24 May Courtesy Call by the Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to Fiji, H.E Ms Michelle Podmore to Mrs Jeanette Emberson (Secretary- General to Parliament) New Zealand 01 June P A R L I A M E N T S I T T I N G S T A T U S : A P R I L – J U N E 15 Keys : April May June Parliament Sitting Days Annual Reports Committee Reports Tabled (Bills) Committee Reports Tabled (Annual Reports) Committee Reports Tabled (Treaties) Bills Acts Treaties End of Week Statements Ministerial Statements The Attorney–General and Minister for Economy, Civil Service, Communications, Housing and Community Development, Hon.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum(third from right) shares a light moment with some Members of Parliament during the official visit of the Governor-General of Australia, H.E David Hurley in April 2022.

Issue No.

2 2022 Parliament Quarterly Newsletter /5 STANDING COMMITTEE S O F PA R L I A ME N T APRIL –JUNE 2022 NO.

OF MEETINGS COMMITTEE REPORTS TABLED PAPERS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE 34 1.
Consolidated Review Report of the Reserve Bank of Fiji 2018–2019, 2019–2020 and 2020/2021 Annual Reports 2.

Consolidated Review Report of the Energy Fiji Limited 2019 and 2020 Annual Reports 3.

Consolidated Review Report of the Reserve Bank of Fiji Insurance 2019 and 2020 Annual 1.

Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit 2021 Annual Report 2.

Fiji Rice Pte Limited Annual Report 2013–2017 3.


Investment Fiji 2019–2020 Annual Report Reports NO.

OF MEETINGS 12 1.

Nil COMMITTEE REPORTS TABLED PAPERS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE 1.

Fiji Police Force August 2018 to July 2019 Annual Report S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E O N J U S T I C E , L A W A N D H U M A N R I G H T S NO.

OF MEETINGS COMMITTEE REPORTS TABLED PAPERS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE 27 1.
Report on the Review of the Investment Fiji Bill 2022 1.

Nil NO.

OF MEETINGS COMMITTEE REPORTS TABLED PAPERS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE 24 1. Review Report of the Consolidated 2016–2017, 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 Ministry of Forestry Annual Reports 1.

Water Authority 2017 Annual Report 2.

Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources 2014 Annual Report 3.
Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources 2018– 2019 Annual Report NO.

OF MEETINGS COMMITTEE REPORTS TABLED PAPERS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE 44 1. Review of the 2016-2017 Financial Statements of Government and the 2016-2017 Agency 1.
Nil Financial Statements of the Ministry of Economy 2. Review of the Audit Report on Follow-Up of High Risks Ministries and Departments 3. Review of the Compliance Audit Report NO.
OF MEETINGS 24 COMMITTEE REPORTS TABLED PAPERS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE 1. Review of the Fiji Higher Education Commission August 2016–July 2017 Annual Report 2. Review of the Fiji National Sports Commission August 2019–July 2020 Annual Report 3. Review of the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited 2018–2019 Annual Report 4. Review of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing 2017–2018 Annual Report, Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Environment 2016–2017; January–July 2016; 2015 Annual Reports 5. Review of the Fiji National Provident Fund 2019; 2020; 2021 Annual Reports 6. Review of the Film Fiji 1 August 2016 to 31 July 2017; Film Fiji 1 January to 31 July 2016 Annual Report 7. Review of the Report of the Fiji Roads Authority 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 Annual Reports 8. Review Report of the Annual Reports of the Municipal Councils (Suva City Council 2006–2015 Annual Reports, Ba Town Council 2006-2018 Annual Reports, Nadi Town Council 2004–2015 Annual Reports, Tavua Town Council 2006–2014 Annual Reports, Nausori Town Council 2005– 2014 Annual Reports, Rakiraki Town Council 2011–2018 Annual Reports, Lautoka City Council 2006–2014 Annual Reports, Sigatoka Town Council 2005–2019 Annual Reports, Savusavu Town Council 2005–2010 Annual Reports, Lami Town Council 2004–2014 Annual Reports, Levuka Town Council 2005–2011 Annual Reports, Nasinu Town Council 2009–2010 Annual Reports and Labasa Town Council 2004–2017 Annual Reports) 9. Review of the National Fire Authority 2015 Annual Report 1.
Fiji Roads Authority—2016/2017 Annual Report 2.

Fiji Roads Authority—2017/2018 Annual Report 3. iTaukei Trust Fund Board 2019 Annual Report 4.

Fiji Public Trustee Corporation Limited 2019 Annual Report 5.

Fiji Public Trustee Corporation Pte Limited Annual Report 2018 6.

Fiji National University Annual Report 2020 7.

Housing Authority 2016 Annual Report 8.

Housing Authority 2017 Annual Report 9.

Public Rental Board 2018 Annual Report 6/ 2022 Parliament Quarterly Newsletter Issue No.
2 CO MM ITTEES AT WO RK Submission to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence from the Fiji Police Force on their August 2018–July 2019 Annual Report on June 14, 2022.

Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights during one of their deliberations.

Standing Committee on Natural Resources visited the Green Gold Kava at Savusavu during their tour to the North.
Standing Committee on Economic Affairs with the Fiji Meat Industry Board after submission on their 2015–2017 Annual Report on June 7, 2022.

Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs from the Fiji National University on their 2020 Annual Report on June 16, 2022.

Submission to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts from the Reserve Bank of Fiji on the Audit Report on Compliance Audits Relating to COVID-19 Responses on May 4, 2022.
Standing Committee on Public Accounts with Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources after submission on the Compliance Audit Report Relating to COVID-19 Response on June 8, 2022.

Submission to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs with the Fiji Brokers Board during submission on their 2015–2017 Annual Report on June 7, 2022.

Standing Committee on Natural Resources on site visitation during their tour to the North on April 11, 2022.

Issue No.
Issue No.

2 2022 Parliament Quarterly Newsletter /7 IN O TH ER EVENTS Speaker of Parliament H.E Hon.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau shares a moment with Mrs Linda Hurley, wife of the Governor-General of Australia, H.E David Hurley during their official visit in April, 2022.

Also in the picture is the President of the Republic of Fiji, H.E Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and First Lady Filomena Katonivere.
The Non-Resident High Commissioner of Canada to Fiji, Her Excellency, Joanne Lemay paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament H.E Hon.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau in April, 2022.

The Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of Fiji, Mrs Omur Unsay paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament H.E Hon.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau in May, 2022.


The Non-Resident Ambassador Designate for Czech Republic to the Republic of Fiji, Mr Tomas Dub paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament H.E Hon.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau in May, 2022.

The New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs Michelle Podmore paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary- General to Parliament, Mrs Jeanette Emberson on June 1, 2022.

Speaker of Parliament, H.E Hon.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau with Hon.

Ro Teimumu Kepa and Hon.


Pio Tikoduadua in front of the display at the Parliament Foyer in commemoration of the 143rd anniversary of the arrival of the Girmitiyas.

The Non-Resident Ambassador for the State of Israel, His Excellency Roi Rosenblit being welcomed by Members of Parliament during the May Parliament sitting.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Mr Sanaka Samarasinha and his family visited Parliament in June, 2022.
A group of students from The Learning Centre toured the Parliament in June, 2022.

The Sharma family, from Australia toured the Parliament as part of their holiday activities in May, 2022.

8/ 2022 Parliament Quarterly Newsletter Issue No.

2 BEHIND THE SCENES “All hands on deck” a common phrase known among staff of the Parliament of Fiji during every Sitting Week.
This “Behind the Scenes” segment brings you scenes of Parliament staff, the Fiji Police Force and other stakeholders working hand in hand and preparing for an efficient Parliament session during each day of the Parliament Sitting Week in May, 2022.

SWEARING IN: NEW MP Swearing in and maiden speech by the new Member of Parliament, Hon.

Mere Naulumatua.