Meet TI's new national contact in Fiji: Integrity Fiji
Fiji has the biggest population (900k) and the largest
economy in the South Pacific. It is considered the hub of the Pacific. There
had previously been a TI chapter in Fiji, but it closed down in 2016. The new
team members come from diverse backgrounds and are very enthusiastic about
developing a dynamic culture of integrity and anti-corruption in Fiji.
As a rugby-crazy nation, we thankfully have one thing in
common. When we meet at retreats and workshops, we find time to play some
Sevens or Touch Rugby on the beach!
Describe in a tweet what you do as a team
We work with a number of partners (like the Fiji National
University Faculty of Humanities, the Ministry of Economy Procurement Section
and other state and non-state agencies) to advocate for strengthened
anti-corruption policies. We have facilitated a free online anti-corruption
course and like to fill our social media channels with our creative integrity
and anti-corruption posts.
Share with us one of your latest proud moments
as an organisation. Why this one?
Our youth leaders had been advocating on mainstream and
social media against the draconian Draft Police Bill, which would have allowed
the Police to search homes and workplaces without search warrants, amongst
other repressive measures. The bill was suddenly withdrawn in March and the
media report implied that the Prime Minister had withdrawn the Bill due to the
advocacy of the Youth for Integrity Network in Fiji. We are proud to have inspired
the Fijian public to stand up for their rights and to speak out.
What’s the best thing about working at CLCT
(Civic Leaders for Clean Transactions) Integrity Fiji and being part of TI?
We are like one big family and are always zooming,
vibering, messenging and texting each other with new initiatives, ideas,
activities and strategies on anti-corruption in Fiji. There is always a lot of
laughter, jokes and friendly arguments. We stand out in Fiji because we do a
lot of advocacy work using videos, songs, tiktoks and more on social media.
And the most challenging?
We get asked to participate in events and help out with
various initiatives by the Government Departments and CSOs and sadly, because
of our limited budget and manpower, we are not able to say ‘yes’ to all these
requests.
What’s the message you’d put on a billboard, if you knew the entire TI movement could see it?
For a nation like Fiji which had five coups since 1987 and
is ruled by a government which takes authoritarian lines, our billboard message
would be:
"If you believe it's right, then develop an
anti-corruption strategy and just go for it!"
Anything else you’d like to share with us about
your work?
We would like to thank everyone who have helped and
continue to help us on our anti-corruption journey. Many thanks to Alejandro
Salas from the TI Secretariat who came to Fiji towards the end of 2019 and
inspired us to remain true to our calling. We are deeply grateful to TI New
Zealand who have continued to work with us on our anti-corruption strategies.
And to the TI movement we'd like to say ‘Vinaka Vakalevu’ (thank you very
much!) for the friendship and support.
Contact Details:
Integrityfiji73@gmail.com
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