Newly elected Speaker welcomed in Parliament

Led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications the Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, the occasion was an opportunity where the Hon. Speaker shared his life journey to encourage everyone present.

“I come from a far-flung island in the Lau group where there are no financial returns readily available and it is the urge of the families to come to Viti Levu for better education.”

“Education for me, was a struggle as a young boy and I made sure that I would succeed in whatever I do, which I now have achieved. The story of my life is the story that I want to impress upon everyone present, those who are struggling to make a living, that you continue to apply yourself until you reach what you want.”

The Hon. Speaker was thankful to the Hon. Prime Minister for nominating him. The Hon. Speaker also acknowledged his wife and family for their continued support to him, which would enable him to serve again for a few more years.

He was also thankful seeing the Honourable Members of Parliament, from both sides of the House present in his welcoming ceremony.

“I am very grateful to see the Members of Parliament, from both sides of the House, present here today. It strengthens my hands to see all of you together to welcome me.”

“I shall go forward from here, relying on you and the Secretary-General and her team to support me.”

Whilst presenting the ‘iqaloqalovi’, the Hon. Viliame Naupoto expressed gratitude to the Hon. Speaker for agreeing to take up the position, even after 50 years of service in our beloved nation.

“In yesterday’s special sitting when the Hon. Prime Minister gave a brief account of your credentials, without a doubt we are fortunate to be under your leadership in this august House in the months and years ahead.”

“After 50 years of service, Fiji has decided to call you again to serve, you did not hold back but agreed to say yes to be the Speaker of Parliament,” Hon. Naupoto said.

The Hon. Speaker was elected in Parliament yesterday with a majority vote of 34. He recently retired as the President of the Fiji Court of Appeal and according to the Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Jitoko is an ‘eminent jurist, an illustrious diplomat, a senior civil servant, and an academic who is well regarded and respected’.