Independent Review Lead for the National Security Defence Review James Sanday announces the appointment of Editorial Board members who will assist in the compilation of the National Security Defence Review.
Made up of academics from various disciplines, the Editorial Board will be chaired by Dr. Satish Chand, a Professor of Finance in the School of Business at the University of New South Wales and at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.
According to a Fiji Government announcement, the Editorial Board will “provide a wide range of perspectives that will ensure that the National Security Defence Review is a holistic, collaborative, and inclusive product that provides a historic opportunity for the Fijian people to outline a sustainable vision for the nation’s democracy and security.”
The newly appointed members include Ana Rokomokoti, an Assistant Professor of Law at the Fiji National University and a former military officer as well as Dr Shailendra Singh, an Associate Professor in Journalism at the University of the South Pacific.
The Independent Review Lead and the Editorial Board recently completed a three-day Planning workshop to take stock of the work already done for the Review and chart a way forward in relation to consultations and reporting.
Deputy Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Commodore Humphrey Tawake, also attended the workshop.
“… the Review will serve as a historic opportunity for every Fijian to contribute to a dialogue that defines and secures our nation’s future. It is an opportunity to solidify our shared values in our national defence and security strategy.”
The Review is in the process of calling for further submissions and will be undertaking extensive face-to-face consultations with government stakeholders and NGOs. Community engagement has been highlighted as a key priority to ensure the review reflects the views of the Fijian people.
The Review will also work with the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics which is developing a National Development Plan, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is developing a Foreign Affairs White Paper.
“As a nation, we must engage in this Review with a spirit of collaboration and optimism so that we may all move towards a future of peace, prosperity, and social stability underscored by democratic values,” stated the announcement.
James Sanday, a former Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Chief of Staff who was removed from his position during the 1987 Rabuka coup, was appointed as Independent Review Lead for the National Security and Defence Review last December. He reports to Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua
“Community engagement is a key priority for the Fiji Government to ensure the review reflects the diversity of all Fijians. As a nation, we must engage the review with a spirit of collaboration and optimism so that we all move toward a future of prosperity and peace,” Minister Tikoduadua said upon the appointment of Mr Sanday.
“Under Mr Sanday’s stewardship, the Review will serve as a historic opportunity for every Fijian to contribute to a dialogue that defines and secures our nation’s future,” he said. “It is an opportunity to solidify our shared values in our national defence and security strategy.”
