TRC lacks power: Speight

George Speight, the last person sentenced to death in Fiji, has voiced strong reservations about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), asserting it lacks the necessary authority to achieve its objectives. Speight, a key figure in the 2000 coup, made these claims before the Constitutional Review Commission.

Speight explained that this perceived lack of authority is a primary reason for his decision not to appear before the TRC. He acknowledged the TRC's role in moving Fiji forward but argued that its mandate is constrained by the 2013 Constitution.

"The TRC is a necessary part of the process to move Fiji forward, but it does not have the authority or mandate 'to go all the way' because of the 2013 Constitution," Speight stated. He believes that for the TRC to be effective, the 2013 Constitution must first be amended.

While Speight conceded that the 2013 Constitution contains some positive elements, he feels its shortcomings outweigh its benefits. His proposal centers on revising the constitution before the TRC hearings commence, suggesting a prerequisite for meaningful reconciliation.

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The TRC is a necessary part of the process to move Fiji forward, but it does not have the authority or mandate “to go all the way” because of the 2013 Constitution.