Dr Jiko Fatafehi Luveni, Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, spoke to students and faculty of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Fiji Church College this morning.
The visit was an initiative of the Civic Education & Media Unit to educate the youth of the country on the role of the Speaker in Parliament, the function of Parliament, its composition and how communities could be involved in the process.
In her presentation Dr Luveni explained that the Parliament makes laws for the country. It was also responsible for overseeing the government budget by approving it and checking how it is spent.
She explained that her role as Speaker is like that of a referee in a game of rugby and that is to ensure that the rules are followed. In Parliament she has to ensure that all Members follow the rules of the House as per the Parliament Standing Orders.
Dr Luveni created history in Fiji being the first woman Speaker on her first election into Parliament. 16% of the Members of the House are women.