Assistant Minister for Health Alex O’Connor says the COVID-19 pandemic posed a new challenge to governmental decision making not only in Fiji but for other governments around the world.
O’Connor says with a great level of uncertainty and scientific insights and recommendations changing on a daily basis, politicians like himself faced a difficult task of reacting quickly but wisely to these developments.
He adds Fiji has been battling this pandemic for close to two years.
O’Connor also says what the government does and the decision it makes days, weeks and months from now will echo through generations to come and therefore they must act with wisdom, foresight and urgency.
O’Connor also says inclusivity is key to any democracy.
He told parliament that in his view a democracy is where the power of people does not begin and end at the ballot box.
O’Connor says democracy means including our citizens every step of the way in our policies and decision-making process.
