Page 5 - IBs November 2022

Managing Director / Publisher A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Netani Rika

Managing Editor This month we take a look at the issues that matter for young Fijian voters as the
Samantha Magick country heads into elections. It raises issues, concerns and opportunities that are not
unique to Fiji, as the populations of most Pacific Island nations (and electorates) are
youthful, and have the power to determine election outcomes, if they are inspired
to vote.

Designer Our cover story looks at the impact of Fiji’s coup-culture on young Fijians, which
Dick Lee issues they say they are worried about and want action on, and the impact of social
media.
Contributors
Janet Lotawa As Fiji National University Assistant Professor, Mosmi Bhim says, democracy “is
supposed to be a continuous activity of informing your leaders what you want, holding
Nic Maclellan
them accountable, negotiating with them, liaising with them, communicating with
Alipate Pareti
them. And these are all part of how citizens actively take part in the decision-making
Kite Pareti
process of their country. But I think because of the of the kind of situation that we’ve
Netani Rika
had in the in the country, campaigning, lobbying, etc is somehow not regarded as part
Jope Tarai
of activities citizens can legitimately engage in.”
Kaliopate Tavola
Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti We hope that whatever the result in December, it heralds a reinvigoration of a vibrant
Ariela Zibiah democracy that continues well after the last ballot is counted, all the way to the next
election.
Elsewhere in this issue we review the gains and disappointments at the COP27 climate
talks in Egypt, share a thought-provoking essay on respecting indigenous knowledge
Islands Business is published monthly by
Front Page Pte Limited and experience for ‘real and collective development’, and celebrate the performance
Editorial & Advertising Offices of the Toa Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.
GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands.
Tel: +679 9719660 And as leaders convene in Uruguay for the first meeting looking to develop an
international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, we visit Osaki in southern
Emails Japan, where the recycling efforts of a small community, provide inspiration for the
Editorial: editor@islandsbusiness.com Pacific.
Subscriptions: subs@islandsbusiness.com
Advertising: marketing@islandsbusiness.com
As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions on the magazine and our
website. Until next month, stay safe.
Printing:
PrintHouse, Suva, Fiji.

editor@islandsbusiness.com
February 2022 FJD $8
www.islandsbusiness.com www.islandsbusiness.com
May-June 2022 FJD $8

TONGAN RESILIENCE
BLINKEN VISIT • PANGUNA LAU: THE NEXT GALAPAGOS?
TOURISM • ICT • CHINA
Copyright © 2022 Front Page Pte Limited.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced without the written permission of the
publisher.

www.islandsbusiness.com

Islands Business, November 2022 5