What "Source" did the former leaders of Fiji refer to when planning and formulating the Constitutions of Fiji?
In the past, they tried valiantly to establish a "Moral Code of Conduct" to govern the nation. However, their best efforts created anomalies.
The word "Constitution" means, "Fundamental principles to govern a nation or body."
'Fundamental' means, "Base or Foundation".
The word "Principle", I discovered, means "Fundamental Truth or Law as the basis of reasoning or action, a personal code of conduct, a moral attitude". The word comes from the Latin, "Principium" or "Source".
Over 2000 years ago a 'source' of infinite wisdom said, "Whoever builds a house on sand will see it washed away".
This 'source' also said that anything founded upon "TRUTH" will grow strong, becoming a blessing for countless generations.
In 1965 during the London Constitutional Conference, and just before Fiji's independence, a few good men and women recommended that if the Constitution was founded upon Justice, Equality and Truth the nation would get a flying start to succeed through any storm.
Fear-mongering crash-landed that vision plunging the nation into near chaos.
The "House" referred to in Fiji's context, I believe, is the House of Parliament.
The House of Parliament is a scared institution because it is where the hopes and dreams of a nation are debated, defined and declared law. If the laws enacted in this House flout the very principles of Justice, Equality and Truth, it will crumble and fall.
After 40 years in the 'wilderness' there's an opportunity to rebuild a strong and vibrant nation using the simple, yet powerful mandate for building anything of value - "Unless the Lord builds the house, the labourers build in vain".
It requires wisdom, courage and sacrifice to lay the foundation on the tenets of "Truth" so that the "House" will withstand, not only the test of time, but be a blessing to generations yet unborn.
I believe God's vision for Fiji is simple - one nation, one people, one song!
Because the 'source' says, "Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free!"
As in the past, a Constitution with anything less will be but a shadow masquerading as the Truth.
nColin Deoki is a frequent Letter writer to The Fiji Times. These views are his and not of this newspaper.