What Is Elaine Chandra and FijiansFirst Smoking? Asks SODELPA’s Takayawa

SODELPA General-Secretary Viliame Takayawa says he’s baffled by recent criticism of Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, asking bluntly: “What are Elaine and FijiansFirst smoking?”

The comment comes after Elaine Chandra — a recent recipient of an honorary doctorate and a member of the proposed FijiansFirst party — publicly accused Radrodro of violating the Constitution following complaints from four former senior Ministry of Education staff.

In her statement, Chandra, a Doctor of Philosophy, said the matter raised serious concerns about integrity in public service, citing two sections of the 2013 Constitution:

Section 22(2): “Every worker has the right to fair employment practices, including humane treatment, proper notice, and protection against unfair dismissal.”

Section 123(2)(b): “The Public Service must act independently and impartially, and decisions regarding appointments must be based on merit, free from political influence.”

Takayawa, however, pointed out that there is no such provision as 123(2)(b) in the Fijian Constitution, which Chandra appears to have “published out of thin air”.

He further noted that Section 22 actually refers to religious freedom — not workers' rights, as Chandra has claimed.

"The sections she accused the Minister of breaching don't even exist."

“Wasn’t this Constitution drafted by the very leaders of her proposed party?” he asked. “FijiansFirst should educate themselves on the Constitution before embarrassing themselves in public.”

Takayawa also expressed concern that Chandra was once a teacher in charge of shaping young minds.