Parliament: Responses to the President's address 2024

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says the Opposition completely ignores the measures put in the national budget to help those who need them.

Professor Prasad says almost $100 million has gone to more than 60,000 families in the past 2 years to prepare their children for back-to-school support, social welfare support was increased and the government also increased budget for health services, kidney dialysis and agriculture subsidies and all this came from the revenue that the government collected.

While speaking on cost of living, Professor Prasad says a farmer from Ba has messaged him to tell the Opposition that the price of flour has gone down from $22 for 10kg to $15 and 10kg rice has gone down from $25 to $19.

He says the Bureau of Statistics and the Reserve Bank have said that inflation was 5 percent in 2023, gone down to 3.6 percent in January and the trend is very good.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the impact of the VAT increase from 9 percent to 15 percent was temporary.

The Deputy Prime Minister has revealed that in the first 6 months of the financial year, the government has managed to achieve almost 99 percent of the budget tax revenue and compared to the same period last year, total revenue collection has increased by $458 million or 34 percent and tax revenue collection has increased by $367 million or 31 percent.

Professor Prasad says similarly, non-tax revenue has also increased by $92 million or 56 percent.

He says the government has reduced the fiscal deficit from an average of 9 percent to 4.8 percent of the GDP and plans to bring it further down to 3.5 percent in the 2024-2025 national budget.

He says the reduction in the deficit was critical to put the debt trajectory on a path of sustainability.

Professor Prasad says for the first half of this fiscal year, the Government has recorded a net deficit of $114.9 million, equivalent to minus 0.9 percent of the GDP – a surplus.

He says this is much lower than the targeted net deficit and has revealed that the government has already collected $1.8 billion in revenue which is almost half of what has been forecast for the year.

Professor Prasad says for the first six months Government expenditure totaled $1.9 billion, which represents around 44.1 percent of the total budgeted expenditure and they agree that it is lower than what they expected but as they approach the second half of the year, they expect expenditure to increase and some of the projects would not be delayed.

Professor Prasad says he is highlighting this as FijiFirst MP Premila Kumar and some others claim that the government will not be able to collect the revenue.

The Deputy Prime Minister further says the Opposition had said the government had the wrong fiscal policy, however, he acknowledged the Leader of the Opposition for making good suggestions for the economy.

FijiFirst MP, Faiyaz Koya says the government should stop blaming the previous government for any ill wills because the issue of drugs in the society is not just happening in Fiji but they must tackle it jointly.

While responding to the President’s speech, Koya says that safety, security and stability are key drivers of the economy and claims the level of lawlessness has increased dramatically.

Koya has congratulated the Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua for acknowledging issues faced by the Fiji Police Force and says that it is something they need to do together.

He says one of the most important things for Tikoduadua is to ensure that with all he is doing, he brings back investor confidence because that is what is seriously lacking.

The MP says it stems from incompetence and the state of the economy is fragile and unfortunately instead of building up the economy, in his second year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad is still trying to create a new National Development Plan and adds that by the time they finish with it, it will be election time again.

Koya says the biggest complaint they are getting from the public is that before they used to have some loose change in their pocket and now they do not even have that because VAT has gone up by 6 percent, manufacturing duty gone up by 3 percent and increased corporate tax by 5 percent.

He says that is a staggering 14 percent increase to the businesses but it is being passed down to consumers.

Koya says these policies are atrocious, misguided and do not take care of the people.

He adds we have a resilient population but this time, the resilience is wearing thin.

Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua says they are working with our development partners to build a specialised Drug and Narcotics Bureau.

While elaborating in parliament, Tikoduadua says this new bureau will be tasked with the effective intelligence gathering, prevention and the prosecution of those who are responsible for this threat to Fiji.

He says the illicit drug trade in our country threatens the very fabric of our society as it is not simply a criminal enterprise but it is a multifaceted scourge that undermines our social, economic, and moral structures, with a particularly devastating impact on our youth. Tikoduadua says the infiltration of drugs into our communities has far-reaching consequences.

He says the drug trade erodes the potential of our young people, drawing them away from education and productive activities into cycles of dependency and despair.

He says the drug trade, with its false promises of quick wealth, ensnares not just individuals but entire families and communities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and lawlessness.

Tikoduadua stresses that the government is acutely aware of the gravity of this issue and the need for a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy to combat it.

He says their approach is anchored in education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding our youth.

Tikoduadua says they are committed to launching national awareness campaigns aimed at educating our citizens, especially our young people, about the dangers and consequences of drug use and involvement in the drug trade.

He says by strengthening our educational programs and community outreach, they aim to build resilience among our youth, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices.

Tikoduadua says they recognize the importance of compassion and support in addressing drug dependency, and the government will enhance access to treatment and rehabilitation services.

To disrupt the drug trade and hold those responsible to account, they are bolstering the law enforcement capabilities and reviewing our legal framework.

This includes enhancing inter-agency cooperation, both domestically and internationally, to effectively tackle drug trafficking networks.

He adds that the battle against drugs cannot be won by government action alone.

He says it requires the active participation of our communities, and they will foster partnerships with community leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners to create a united front against the drug menace.

Attorney General, Siromi Turaga has denounced the accusation of political interference when it comes to speculation about the appointment of specific tribunals, questions on why aren’t there simultaneous appointments, why the expenditure, why is the process slow and why can’t specific offices be filled.

While speaking in parliament today, Turaga says there is a process and there is a distinction between the Constitutional Offices Commission and the Judicial Services Commission.

He says the Constitutional Offices Commission operates on a complaint-initiated mechanism (for specific offices under the Constitution) for example, it receives complaints from members of the public, and on assessment, either report to the police or take note to initiate proceedings on allegations of misconduct, set up tribunals and proceed to hearings.

Turaga says the Judicial Services Commission on the other hand is mandated to investigate complaints for other specific offices, for instance for those appointed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He says this is why they get the right people to do the job and not rush matters of sensitivity; no overnight analysis and verdicts.

Turaga says in 2023 alone, the appointment of new judicial officers saw an increase in the number of local and qualified men and women appointed to the bench.

He says with the proper remuneration deserving of individuals who have spent much of their career contributing to Fiji’s legal system and jurisprudence, the judicial system is now well equipped to handle local cases by our people well qualified to do so and who are able to understand local context when it is required. He says this is also to ease the load of the numerous cases that are before our courts today, which had to be audited by the Acting Chief Justice.

Turaga says in 2021, there were 8 new appointments, in 2022, 7 were appointed to the bench, in 2023 to date - a record total of 22 judicial officers have been appointed; 11 judges (3 women) and 11 magistrates (8 women).

Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has asked FijiFirst MP Ketan Lal to keep the dignity of the Parliament of Fiji after Minister for Agriculture Vatimi Rayalu raised a Standing Order before the morning session began.

Rayalu had said that despite giving a full explanation in Parliament, Lal continues to post on his Facebook account about the questions he raised in Parliament regarding Rayalu taking his father’s ashes to their village in Lau during an official government trip.

Ratu Naiqama told Lal that he was not here to defend Rayalu, but whatever has been stated on social media shouldn’t paint that picture of him pushing for this issue outside of the Parliament when a full explanation has been given.

Meanwhile, it was also announced this morning that the new Opposition Whip will be Viliame Naupoto.

He takes over the role from Alvick Maharaj.

FijiFirst MP and former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto says the FijiFirst Party stands for equal citizenry, and they will continue to fight for equality for all inside and outside parliament.

While responding to the President’s address, Naupoto says it was sickening for him when FijiFirst MP Naisa Tuinaceva was used as an example that the words that were spoken publicly in a Government organized public consultation on Local Government on 25th September 2023 to highlight this problem of racial hatred rearing its ugly head again.

He says the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad accused him of inciting racial disharmony.

Naupoto says he and others in Parliament have seen the result of racial hatred when it manifests into physical violence and racial hatred is the biggest barrier to harmonious and peaceful coexistence in our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation.

The former RFMF Commander also supported the call by SODELPA MP Aseri Radrodro for Fiji to withdraw its position at the International Court of Justice to support Israel's occupation and actions in Gaza.

He says this position harms Fiji’s international reputation as a peacekeeping nation that is committed to lasting peace in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.

Naupoto says only by being neutral will we be seen as credible by the parties to the conflict, and Fiji’s explicit support to one party to the conflict has diminished and compromised our peacekeeping reputation and high standing not only in the Middle East but worldwide, and especially in the Global South.

The FijiFirst MP reminds the Government that they will be criticised and asked tough questions by them as they will not shy away from their job.

He also highlighted that the situation on law and order in the country demands some urgent attention and there is a growing lack of confidence in our Police Force, both in their capacity to do their law enforcement work and in the integrity within the force.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says claims by FijiFirst MP Semi Koroilavesau that there is massive unemployment in the country is bogus and designed to mislead.

Professor Prasad says the reference is without any figures and statistics.

While raising a point of order, Koroilavesau says he understands there is a percentage of unemployment in Fiji and that does explain our people on the streets and other areas who are not employed.

He says it is the responsibility of the government to get them employed.

Professor Prasad says according to the FNPF, in 2023, formal sector employment returned to more than pre-pandemic levels and average salary in the formal sector also increased by 12.46 percent.

The Deputy Prime Minister says all the data from the Bureau of Statistics, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and everybody in the business community recognise that Fiji has a tight labour market, there is a shortage of labour and sometimes they cannot even find skilled labour.

While Professor Prasad was speaking, FijiFirst MP Jone Usamate can be heard calling Professor Prasad a joke and in response, Professor Prasad also said that Usamate is a joke.

FijiFirst MP Faiyaz Koya then raised a point of order and said that Usamate has been in Parliament for many years and Professor Prasad should refrain from referring to another MP like he did and he should withdraw the statement.

Professor Prasad responded that they must learn to take it as well.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Lenora Qereqeretabua then said that she has heard some words from the Opposition to someone specifically in the Government and while addressing Usamate, she said she would like that to stop.

She urged members to respect each other and carry on with the debate.

Professor Prasad says Koya forgets what Usamate said.

The Deputy Prime Minister has also highlighted that the President reminded all of them not to lose sight of the fact that national interest is paramount at all times and urged them to ensure that they must promote unity and diversity.

He says the President also expressed concern that a few unscrupulous politicians continue to instigate mistrust among the communities and he emphasised the importance of respectful debate because of its impact on inter-ethnic relations.

Professor Prasad says he has always believed Parliament to be a temple of democracy.

Opposition MP, Ioane Naivalurua says government should consider the establishment of a Fiji Institute of Sports or Centre of Sports Excellence to train and develop our athletes to compete at an elite level.

Naivalurua says in reflecting on the President’s address to Parliament, he noted the absence of any reference to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He says given the uniqueness of Fiji’s sporting heritage and our deep natural talent across this nation, by now, sports should be one of our premium assets.

The Opposition Member says sports are also a platform for nation-building, economic inflows through remittances, developing the Fiji brand, and building a friendly space for diplomatic relations.

He says the success of the Rio Olympics and the repeat success at the Tokyo Olympics were highlights we celebrated.

He says rugby is not just an afternoon game but a pathway to become a powerhouse, a brand, a pivot point for our players and coaches, as through the boots of our rugby players, the world has come to know of Fiji better.

He says our sporting engagement is not limited to Rugby as we also compete in Netball, Volleyball, Swimming, Basketball, Hockey, Soccer, Weightlifting, Yachting, and Athletics, to name a few.

Naivalurua says our performances at regional competitions are declining, illustrating that we need to take the necessary development steps and invest more in what we have.

He says by investing in the sports industry, we create better opportunities for our hard-working sportsmen and sportswomen.

Furthermore, sports can be better integrated into our foreign policy so that the achievements of our sportspeople can strengthen our international relations.

He says this is about maximising what we have, extracting the best economic benefits, and building our nation and moving it forward.

As a small island nation, we have to be creative and innovative to be able to play above our weight and our nation’s future lies in the hands of our youth.

Naivalurua adds they are critical in shaping our country’s growth and development, and their empowerment is vital to boost productivity.

The government intends to have one vocational centre in every province, and they are looking at 42 tourism projects valued at $3 billion which will bring in 4,824 rooms.

This has been highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Viliame Gavoka while responding to the President’s address while opening Parliament.

Gavoka says the Great Council of Chiefs has stressed the importance of having skilled young people and skills that are contextualised for their community’s needs.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the Ministry is working closely with high education institutes to offer relevant Technical Vocational Education Training courses while trying to resolve the legal matters pertaining to the failed technical colleges under the FijiFirst government.

He says in 2023, 32 vocational centres were operational and this year, they will reopen 30 more vocational centres.

The Deputy Prime Minister says following the Education Summit last year, the Denarau Declaration focused on major thematic areas including quality assurance and assessment systems.

Gavoka says the previous government removed scaling of exams, effectively making children severely disadvantaged in comparison to other children globally.

He says the Ministry of Education is working to reverse the decision with the introduction of scaling of examination.

The Deputy Prime Minister also says the schools under the FijiFirst were badly dilapidated and the government quarters are in a sorry state and adds the repair job is huge.

Meanwhile Gavoka says in terms of tourism investment, there are about 627 rooms in the construction stage and a few hundred in the next few years.

He says there are 9 tourism development projects aimed for this year, 3 next year and 4 in 2026.

Gavoka says the medium-term growth outlook is expected to return to the pre-pandemic trend and average at about 3 percent.

He says they will soon be launching the National Sustainable Tourism Framework which will provide a clear policy direction.

Gavoka further says for the first time in Fiji’s history, they expect to welcome 1 million visitors this year.

He says the 2024 outlook for this year for Fiji Airways is expected to grow between 8 and 10 percent compared to 2023.

Gavoka says the Ministry of Aviation is undertaking initial discussions for a master plan for Fiji intended to be rolled out this year.

He adds this will be the first civil aviation master plan established for Fiji and current aviation policy is outdated and will now be reviewed in line with the imminent changes in the industry.

I hold myself accountable for the current law and order situation in Fiji, much of which was been inherited from decisions made in the past.

That is the message of Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua while responding to the President’s speech in parliament.

Tikoduadua says if the FijiFirst wants to take credit for the good seeds, they must accept responsibilities for the bad seeds as well.

He says the fruits of these seeds are what we are contending with today — Drugs, Police Brutality, Unprofessionalism and inefficient administrative processes.

Tikoduadua says he has to deal with all these issues and it will not change overnight, but, he assures parliament it will change.

He adds that the challenges we face today, from transnational crime and drug trafficking to the threats posed by climate change and natural disasters, demand a police force that is not only robust but also adaptable and equipped with contemporary capabilities.

Tikoduadua says the security landscape has evolved dramatically, and so must our response to these challenges.

He says it is their duty, as stewards of this nation, to look beyond the vestiges of the past and forge a path towards a future where our security apparatus is capable, resilient, and responsive to the needs of our time. Tikoduadua highlighted a crucial initiative within our Fiji Police Force, known as the "Restore Blue Concept".

He says this innovative approach is aimed at embedding human rights at the heart of our policing efforts.

Tikoduadua says it's about ensuring that every action taken by our police officers aligns with international human rights standards, ensuring that the rights and dignity of every individual and community are respected and protected.

The Minister says we must empower our communities to be the first line of defence against these threats.

Tikoduadua says community policing, public awareness campaigns, and engaging with civil society organizations are pivotal in this regard.

They aim to not only disrupt the supply chains of drugs and criminal networks but also to address the demand side by providing support, education, and rehabilitation services to those affected.

The Minister also says in the last 15 months or so, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has truly lived up to his constitutional mandate to be the symbol of national unity.

Tikoduadua says even when things were tough, the President didn't waver.

He says Ratu Wiliame showed true leadership by accepting the election results, showing us all how much he values democracy and the choice of the Fijian people.

Tikoduadua says it's not easy to stand strong when there are so many voices and pressure coming from different directions but our President did just that. He says by welcoming the election results, the President didn't just follow the rules and the constitution; he showed us what it means to truly respect and trust the process and the decision of our nation.

He also extended his appreciation to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Fiji Police Force, and the Department of Immigration for their dedication and service to our country.

Tikoduadua says their commitment to maintaining peace, ensuring security, and upholding the law is the bedrock upon which the safety and well-being of our citizens rest.

Former Education Minister and SODELPA MP Aseri Radrodro has supported the call from President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on the need for our people to understand and practice financial literacy as he said that there are certain habits we Fijians must quickly unlearn, and one of them is to live from payday to payday.

While responding to the President’s address in Parliament, Radrodro says the importance of financial literacy has long been recognized by previous governments and notably, the establishment of institutions like the Fijian Holdings Limited, EIMCOL, the building of Provincial Council-owned buildings, like the Ratu Cakobau House, Ro Lalabalavu House, Namosi House, Macuata House, Takayawa Building and others were established to promote prudent financial investments for the indigenous people.

He says our friends like the Indo-Fijians and Chinese are some of the best in financial management, and it would augur well for us to learn from them how to save for the rainy day and how to establish a side hustle at home apart from people’s 8am to 4.30pm job.

The former Education Minister says so many civil servants retire without building or owning homes, and by the time they retire, they use their retirement funds to build their homes.

He adds, as a result, they deplete their funds meant to look after them in their old age, thus rendering them vulnerable to poverty, sickness and other ailments.

Radrodro says he looks forward to the day Fijian Holdings and other similar financial institutions will encourage our people to practice financial literacy and teach their children to do the same - from having voluntary FNPF accounts as soon as they can; to having life insurance policies or investments stashed away.

He says that he is happy to report that Financial Literacy was identified as a crucial part of our National Learning to be included in the school curriculum, and this forms part of the recommendations from the National Education Summit held in Denarau last year.

Radrodro also urges the Government to review its position with respect to the Israel-Hamas war currently occurring as it is crucial that Fiji prioritizes the lives of our men and women serving as peacekeepers in predominantly the Middle East- and retain our global recognition as peacekeepers promoting global peace.

Radrodro also told the Members of Parliament that there were a lot of challenges faced by the Fiji National University when he was the Minister of Education.

He says one thing he was certain of is that it was his job to protect the stability of the Coalition Government and the stability of our economic environment where adverse publicity and instability means the ruling Government will be held responsible for its inability to show leadership and resolve potentially destructive incidents.

Radrodro says the current University of the South Pacific ongoing impasse with threats of a strike looming must be handled with precision and delicate management.

He says the fallout and backlash from such displays of instability threatens public confidence with potentially negative economic ramifications, and given the University is a regional institution, Fiji could face criticism that it has failed to safeguard the interests of the students of the University and that of the member countries who form the ownership of our South Pacific University.

It is alarming to note that due to the draconian anti-worker laws that were either promulgated or enacted by the previous government, union density has decreased from 30 to 12 percent.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh while speaking in Parliament, and says now, both workers and unions are busily re-organising to regain their membership and strength.

He says the Opposition should be the last people to talk about putting people first as they dished out the worst treatment of the workers.

Singh says as part of the holistic review, his Ministry is reviewing the National Minimum Wage and the 10 Sectoral Wages Regulations.

The Minister says this process will involve the sectoral Wages Councils already appointed, and the Ministry of Finance will reveal the outcome of the review of the minimum wage in the 2024 to 2025 budget announcement.

He adds it is worth noting that the formal wages have increased by 10 to 12 percent.

The Minister says in addressing the current needs of our labour market, the Coalition Government has supported the revitalisation of technical vocational training institutions around Fiji to provide short-term and medium technical training to meet industry needs.

Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu says Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya does not have to be worried about the FijiFirst Party and needs to be first worried about herself and the Coalition Government.

He has highlighted this after Tabuya accused the Opposition of lacking direction and asked what is going on with the Opposition and if they are really as united as they say they are.

He says there is a lot that needs to be done in the People’s Alliance Party before criticizing the FijiFirst.

Seruiratu says in terms of the FijiFirst, there is a party leader and there is a Leader of the Opposition and unfortunately for them, the leader of the party is not in Parliament and that is why they had to appoint a Leader of the Opposition.

He says SODELPA previously had their party leader in Parliament but he was not the Leader of the Opposition because when the caucus moved his name in Parliament for Leader of the Opposition, there was another name moved on the floor and he became the Opposition Leader.

Tabuya challenges FijiFirst's unity and direction

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya has accused the Opposition of lacking direction and has asked what is going on with the Opposition and if they are really united as they say they are.

While responding to the President’s opening address in Parliament, Tabuya says Opposition MP Semi Koroilavesau had accused the government of lacking direction in handling the economy but the lack of direction is coming from the Opposition.

Tabuya has also asked why the Opposition does not have any shadow ministers and they get up and talk about everything and anything so they become the jack of all trades and master of none.

She says as a Minister, she does not even know who to talk to about bipartisanship as she does not who the shadow minister is.

She says the government has one leader and their responses align with their leader, the Prime Minister but the problem with the Opposition is that they have one Leader of the Opposition and others are remote controlling what is happening in Parliament.

She is pleading with the FijiFirst to choose one leader and align with them and adds that Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu should be the leader of the party as in his speech, he is stately and all for working together for the good of our people but the same cannot be said for the rest of them and their remote controllers.

Tabuya says Koroilavesau says there is massive unemployment but there is a huge shortage of labour.

The Minister says 22,000 people left in 2022 under the FijiFirst government and there was an exodus during their time too through the labour mobility scheme and they should stop trying to blame the local and domestic elements.

She says they shut down the vocational colleges that are supposed to be helping our people become employed.

Questions have been sent to the Leader of the Opposition. He is yet to respond.

While highlighting the work her Ministry is doing, Tabuya says the majority of the people living on the streets and street kids have psycho-social problems and need to be rehabilitated.

Tabuya says the Opposition never thought of that during their government.

She says before they can find meaningful employment, they need to be rehabilitated and trained and then put into employment.

The Minister says the government has plans to start the first-ever rehabilitation centre for street kids.

Tabuya says they have also embarked on the development of the Fiji Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan 2024-2029 which was approved by Cabinet earlier this year.

She says the commencement of this critical framework signals the start of an extensive consultation process.

The Minister says they aim to roll out the Action Plan by late 2024 or at least by International Women’s Day next year.

She further says in June 2021 the previous government received a list of issues before the submission of the combined fourth and fifth periodic report of the Convention on the Rights of the Child’s implementation.

She says the Committee pointed out that the number of residential homes and children coming into residential care has increased over the years.

Tabuya says most children find themselves in residential care due to neglect and poverty and spend a very long time in residential care and there is no alternative such as foster care.

She says the system they currently have is based on an outdated philosophy of rescue and removal that was developed under the Juveniles Act of 1974 but this approach has become outdated because of its inability to promote holistic development within a child’s own family and community.

Tabuya says this year they will be tabling the Child Care and Protection Bill and the Child Justice Bill.

She also acknowledged the previous government as the Bills were initiated by the previous government.

She adds it is the goal of the Ministry to bring to Parliament a National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Children.

We may have to do some things that are a bit too heavy-handed which people may question to deal with issues of students found in possession of drugs and on school premises.

This was highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education Viliame Gavoka when asked by fijivillage News on what the Ministry is doing to address the issue of students found in possession of drugs.

Gavoka says this is now quite a serious issue and they need to get to the bottom of this.

Two 17-year-old students were allegedly found with cocaine and marijuana on the school premises last week in Lautoka and Nausori.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka earlier said that it is a concern not only for schools but also for the nation.

He says a few years ago in Parliament, the opposition raised a question on whether there should be a National Inquiry to combat drugs, which was not taken up by the government at the time.

The Prime Minister says they now have the opportunity to look at it again after discovering those big drug busts in the West.

Rabuka says spot checks should be allowed at schools by checking students’ bags, and he also says we should look at drug tests as well.

Former Education Minister and SODELPA MP Aseri Radrodro is urging the Government to immediately set up a Lease Review Committee to look into the plight of both landowners and tenants regarding land lease issues.

While responding to the President’s address in Parliament, Radrodro is hopeful for wisdom and foresight to guide negotiations around this subject as it is one of the most contentious issues confronting the country today.

He says this is evident in the sugar and dairy industry, and last year, we read of the disturbing news of some landowners refusing the renewing of leases in Tailevu North.

He is certain that the landowners may have genuine issues they wish to be addressed.

The SODELPA MP says too often advisers provide criticisms but do not provide a solution to landowners, and the issue of the Tailevu Fulton College lease dispute is a classic example to learn from.

Radrodro says that the once beautiful school now lays silent as the Management of the proud College decided to relocate to its new location in Sabeto, Nadi.

He says in the last couple of days, he was notified that leaseholders facing renewal of their sugarcane leases have been asked to pay a premium for their leases to be extended.

He further says most of these sugarcane farmers were caught off guard with respect to this alleged demand by iTLTB, and the details of this grievance may very well have an explanation by iTLTB, but his request today is for them to be practical with their demands.

He adds sugarcane farmers are already struggling to continue farming in the struggling industry, and to take further loans to be able to meet their premium demands as a pre-requisite to their lease extensions or renewal must be very daunting and demoralizing.

The former Education Minister says the plight of the indigenous landowners is not lost on him, as the usual mantra of asset rich and cash poor is a philosophy that must be defeated.

He says many indigenous land-owning units today are devising ways to turn their vacant lands into productive yaqona farms, dalo farms, ginger farms and the list goes on.

He also says some of the most common arguments prevailing over land leases are the absence of compensation for the use of natural resources like land and sea and the disparity in lease payment against the wealth and benefits derived by those leasing the land.

He urges the Government to immediately set up a Lease Review Committee to look into the plight of both landowners and Tenants- so that we address these issues once and for all.

Radrodro says iTLTB may not have the ability nor the political will to address these challenges that need to be resolved.

To ensure the transition to home ownership, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and the Public Rental Board are collaborating to design a rent-to-own scheme for existing tenants that will provide households with an opportunity to build equity in a home while renting, making it easier for them to eventually become homeowners.

This has been highlighted by the Minister for Local Government Maciu Naulumisa while responding to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s speech during the opening of Parliament.

Naulumisa says the Ministry will continue to facilitate and support the implementation of the Public Private Partnership project with International Finance Cooperation for developing five sites that will provide around 3000 housing units in Raiwaqa (Suva), Nepani (Nasinu), Wainibuku (Nasinu), Davuilevu (Nausori) and Tavakubu (Lautoka).

He also says in this financial year, the Ministry has approved a total of 113 applications under the First Home Ownership Initiative with a total payout of more than $1.9 million and a review of the income brackets will be conducted to ensure the most deserving low-income households have access to financial support to meet their housing needs including the most vulnerable in the society.

The Minister says that moving forward, the Ministry will strategically develop Concept Plans for Navua, Taveuni, Dreketi, and Vunidawa over the financial year, fostering sustainable growth and community well-being, and recognising the importance of rural-urban linkages.

He says four informal settlements including Sakoca (Nasinu), Tavela (Nadi), Field 4(Lautoka) and Tore (Lautoka) with a total of 378 households are in the construction phase.

Naulumisa says the Ministry stands committed to representing the hopes and aspirations of every Fijian, and to forge a path toward a future filled with promise and opportunity.

The Minister also says that the Coalition Government is optimistic that the domestic economic growth will certainly return to the pre-pandemic level as the projected growth rate of 3.8 percent for 2024 and 3 percent for 2025 is a testament to good financial management and effective policies.

FijiFirst MP Virendra Lal has urged the Government that they need to seriously consider maintaining law and order in the country as it can lead to people leaving our beloved nation.

While responding to the President’s opening address in Parliament, Lal says a 10 percent increase in overall crime for January is alarming, and there is a serious concern about the worrying increase in crimes against women and a significant increase in the number of illicit drug cases registered.

He says crimes against women recorded a 31 percent increase, with 252 cases received in January 2024 compared to the number recorded for the same period last year.

He adds of the 252 cases, 17 percent were committed in the domestic setting, primarily by spouses or partners, and women between the ages of 18 to 38 years represent the largest number of victims.

The FijiFirst MP says it is also worrying that Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm cases involving women increased from 139 cases recorded in January 2023 to 167 cases for the same period this year, and rape cases rose from 14 to 35 cases, with some reports recording multiple counts.

He says during January, the most prevalent offences were Assault causing actual bodily harm (315 cases), theft (280 cases), Unlawful Possession of illicit drugs (153 cases), Burglary and Aggravated Burglary (138 cases) and Criminal Intimidation (84 cases).

Lal says this huge statistical increase reaffirms and reflects the way the Coalition Government has performed in the last 14 months, and it reflects the lack of faith the Fijian people have in the Government of the day.

He adds when the Government does not respect the law, people also feel they can do the same, and with the public’s dissatisfaction with the authorities, a lot of crimes are not reported.

Lal says the Acting Police Commissioner agrees there is nepotism, backbiting and mistrust within the Force.

He says according to the Acting Commissioner, these things happen when there is a lack of trust within certain groups who are focusing on their own personal agendas.

The FijiFirst MP has also highlighted that the Fiji National Provident Fund has noted an increase in migration withdrawals last year and reveals that the migration withdrawals reached up to $83.8 million last year.

He says in 2022, it was $42.9 million, and the increase in the migration withdrawals shows the movement of our people abroad for better prospects.

The FijiFirst MP says political appointments erode trust in the existing systems and processes, and this adversely affects service delivery and institutional strength, which leads to brain drain.

Our two major ethnic communities in Fiji have always lived in harmony together and as national leaders we must set the tone so that many of our political followers can spread the same message.

Opposition MP, Mosese Bulitavu stated this in Parliament in reply to the President’s address saying Ratu Wiliame Katonivere shared his experience as a youth in Macuata spending time with Indo-Fijian farming families during the sugarcane harvesting season.

Bulitavu says the Speaker will be very familiar with this experience having served at the then NLTB in the Western and Northern division.

He says most of the iTaukei in the Western and Northern division speak fluent Hindi and even the Indo-Fijian community speak the local dialect.

The Opposition Member says unfortunately, many of them sitting on his side of the house and their supporters face direct racial and discriminatory attacks online.

Bulitavu says keyboard warriors constantly label FijiFirst as an Indo-Fijian party or anti iTaukei.

He says the reformers post 2006 coup reviewed the iTaukei institutions under the process of the People’s Charter so that the iTaukei Affairs Board, TLTB Board and the iTaukei Trust Fund Board play the role of the Great Council of Chiefs in formulating policies that were for the good governance of the iTaukei people.

The Opposition Member says many saw these changes, not done with the prior and informed consent of the indigenous community as anti-iTaukei.

He says the FijiFirst government expanded the iTaukei Trust Fund investment portfolio and many benefitted in terms of leadership training at Nadave, indigenous studies, publication of traditional writing etc.

Bulitavu also says this has enabled the iTaukei Trust Fund to explore heritage tourism, partnering with UNDP under the Business Ready Support Scheme and more importantly funds that were invested by FijiFirst for the iTaukei people has now been used to host the GCC meetings.

He says the FijiFirst in 2015 rolled out the iTaukei Land Development grant, and in 2017 it established the Seed Fund Grant for iTaukei Landowners to provide an opportunity for them to participate in any income generating projects of their choice.

The Opposition member says now the coalition government has established a Wealth Fund from 10% of TLTB’s annual earnings to allow landowning units to buy properties and start business ventures.

He says the FijiFirst introduced the equal lease distribution policy, now the coalition government has reintroduced the percentage distribution for the Turaga iTaukei, Turaga ni Yavusa ánd Turaga ni Mataqali.

Bulitavu says the landowning unit members still get their share on equal basis and the minors fund for children to withdraw at the age of 18 introduced by the FijiFirst is continued by the coalition government.

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says if there is anyone in Parliament who is sowing seeds of division then his message to them is that they have no place in Parliament or the new Fiji.

While responding to the President’s speech in Parliament, Kamikamica says in the pursuit of progress and prosperity let us be guided by the principles of justice, equality, and compassion.

He says the President is really talking about rebuilding Fiji - from infrastructure, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, speeding up the green transition, updating and reviewing legislation and so forth.

Kamikamica says it's because of the mismanagement of the Opposition they have an unsustainable debt issue, a massive drug problem, a broken down health system and an education system that requires work.

He says they have a major task ahead of them and they can only solve these issues if they work together, starting with the Parliament.

The Deputy Prime Minister further says to ensure that Fiji continues to respond to evolving challenges of cybersecurity, they are making preparations to accede to the Budapest Convention and a review of the ICT Department is being undertaken from a cybersecurity and service delivery perspective.

He says as part of their commitments under the Vuvale Partnership, they will be shortly executing a Cybersecurity Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Government which will provide the framework for cooperation amongst various agencies.

Kamikamica also says they are actively developing the National Digital Strategy, Cybersecurity strategy which will harness the Government’s push for digitization.

The Deputy Prime Minister says they intend to operationalise the National Computer Emergency Response Team within the next few months.

He says last November, he had advised Parliament that he would be presenting a paper to Cabinet on the establishment of a nationwide Taskforce to combat Pornography and they will also be inviting the Opposition to join them in this mission.

The Deputy Prime Minister has also highlighted that in 2023 their Trade Commission based in Australia and New Zealand facilitated over $70 million in exports to these markets which is an increase of over 15 percent on the previous year, adding approximately 8.5 percent to the value of Fiji’s overall exports to Australia and New Zealand.

He says this year, the Trade Commission aims to increase facilitated exports by a further 20 percent.

Kamikamica says they are planning a Fiji - North America Business Mission this year, aiming to visit potentially 4 states in North America and Canada, fostering investment and trade opportunities.

He says there are 100,000 diasporas in Canada.

Kamikamica says Trade Commission North America has also been instrumental in supporting Fiji’s exporters and conducting market research for key export products to North America which includes facilitating the purchase of over 50 metric tons of mature ginger by the Ginger People, providing a much-needed market for Fijian farmers.

The Deputy Prime Minister adds that for China, they recently secured some potential investors - estimated around US$45 million covering noni commercial farming and forestry apart from developing potential areas for investment with interested parties.

In the span of 14 months, the dysfunctional and delusional coalition government has not only failed to fulfill the promises they made before the election but they are the very reason why the country is suffering.

This was highlighted by FijiFirst MP Ketan Lal while responding to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere's opening speech in Parliament.

The FijiFirst MP says the speech of the President had raised some pertinent issues and Fijians want the issues to be highlighted and voiced out in Parliament.

Lal says the lack of investment and continued brain-drain of thousands of skilled Fijians is a sign that people no longer have confidence in the coalition government.

He says the government was given a very stable economy, but they are unable to cope with the new world challenges and the demand of Fijian people.

Lal says it is evident that they lack the practical skills needed to run the economy and people are suffering among other things the high cost of living has caused many to reevaluate their livelihoods and their future, especially in the rural areas such as Taveuni and Cakaudrove.

He says there is mismanagement and mishandling of the economy by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad who lacks practical experience to run a government.

The FijiFirst MP says before the election in 2022 there was a slogan by the National Federation Party ‘Time for a Change’ but the change people got is brutal and people are left wondering why they supported a party such as NFP that did nothing to reduce the cost of goods and added more burden on people.

Lal says they claim to provide monetary relief with the back-to-school assistance which was started by the FijiFirst government while some primary and secondary schools are charging levies that are an added burden on the families.

He says when responding to issues raised by the FijiFirst, the Finance Minister starts making personal attacks and unprofessional remarks and it seems like they have forgotten some basic economics.

He says high taxes result in an economic slowdown.

He says the Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew cannot even manage his police officers who have been committing crimes so how can he be expected to efficiently manage crime prevention in the communities, yet the picture shows that we are a safe country when we are not.

Lal says the government talks about democracy, human rights and safeguarding the vulnerable such as women and children yet it endorsed genocide been carried out by Israel on the Palestinian people including the mass killing of innocent lives.

He says it seems like the government is selective in its application of policies on fundamental human rights, lacks humanity and it has become a joke to the people and to the international arena.

Lal further says the Minister for Multi-Ethnic, Charan Jeath Singh has proven to be a waste of taxpayers' money, over the past year there has been an absence of meaningful plans, actions or policies from his office.

He says his performance has been pathetic, as there was no need to establish such a Ministry and if the Minister spends more time in Fiji with the farmers rather than overseas he will then be making some meaningful decisions as he is assigned with one of the most crucial portfolios.

Lal adds what they have seen in the incompetent government is the improper use of authority as seen in the windmill project investigation.

He says the agreement was also endorsed by two cabinet ministers namely Minister for Sports and Fisheries but they want to know from the Prime Minister why there has been no announcement on any investigation and why is it so taking long.

He adds the people must be terminated and referred to FICAC.

A point of order was then raised by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica under Standing Order 61 on the relevance of the topic.

One of the key areas that the government will be focusing on is healing through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and building social cohesion of Fiji and its people so they can reach their full potential beyond these insecurities and fears.

This was highlighted by Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran while responding to the President’s speech in parliament.

Kiran says there is a need to acknowledge our past, look at the narratives of the past and how pain, trauma and insecurities have transferred from generation to generation.

She says indenture, coups and eviction from land have traumatised her community and their sense of belonging and it does not help when these things keep being brought up.

She adds Melanesians, Rabi and Kioan, Chinese and part Europeans all have had a history and it is not talked about.

Kiran says we don’t learn about it in schools but instead rely on stereotyping to be passed down between generations.

She says the school curriculum will be renewed to integrate our history much of which was removed by our last government.

Kiran says political upheavals in the last 3 decades have impacted every ethnic group and have left scars that they now carry.

She says the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will provide a platform for collective healing and the Coalition Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is committed to this process.

She adds this may be a difficult walk and it is hard to look within ourselves and do the hard work but we cannot go into the future as a nation, secured and united until we have confronted the demons of the past.

Kiran paid tribute and acknowledged the efforts of the current Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Ro Jone Kalouniwai for his own initiatives for the healing and reconciliation in the RFMF that he began this month.

She says we know that the RFMF has played a role in many disruptive political events in the past and she is grateful that we live in times with leaders like the Commander and our Prime Minister who have committed to steering the nation forward from its painful past.

Kiran is calling on all segments in our communities to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation process, including the business community, civil society, the public service and religious groups to create an environment of learning about each others’ culture and tradition.

PM proposes financial literacy initiative to foster a culture of saving and investment

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has proposed a comprehensive financial literacy initiative to encourage a culture of saving which will allow the development of a sustainable investment plan for the long-term security of families.

While responding to the President’s speech in Parliament, Rabuka says before Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad went on his recent official trip to India, he had asked him to study the developments introduced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that every person in India, all 1.408 billion of them, has a bank account, every market and street-side vendor has a credit card terminal, or EFTPOS, the electronic funds transfer at point of sale.

The Prime Minister says that Professor Prasad has told him that he had a very fruitful discussion in India and Rabuka is waiting for him to introduce some ideas in Parliament.

He says he was inspired to ask Professor Prasad to do that in India when he noticed a young caddy pulling a golf player’s bag on a trolley who had told him that probably none of the $40 fees paid would go home to his family.

Rabuka says Fiji could emulate India’s comprehensive financial literacy programme and under this programme, people can make informed decisions about saving, investing and managing finances effectively.

The Health Ministry is facing a real uphill battle with the increasing number of cases of HIV and AIDS as Fiji recorded an alarming 415 new HIV cases last year compared to 245 cases in 2022.

According to the Global AIDS Monitoring Report, Fiji is now one of the top two countries in the Asia-Pacific region with rapidly rising new HIV infections.

While responding to the President’s speech in parliament, Health Minister, Doctor Atonio Lalabalavu says out of these cases last year, 404 are adults, while 11 cases are children.

Doctor Lalabalavu says three of the children got HIV through sexual transmission, while 8 children got HIV/AIDS through Mother-To-Child Transmission. Of the total number of patients being diagnosed, 298 are reported to be males, 122 females and 4 transgender community.

31 of these cases were teenagers aged between 15 to 19 years.

Doctor Lalabalavu says while the HIV/AIDS cases are still the tip of the iceberg, it is commendable for the government of the day to recognise two significant issues that were pushed under the carpet : firstly, it recognises drugs as an issue and secondly it recognised HIV.

He says the increase is attributed through increase in active case finding within the Ministry of Health using Point of Care Testing.

Doctor Lalabalavu says unfortunately, in 2023 alone, Fiji lost 82 lives to HIV, which is one too many.

The Health Minister says the Ministry is aware of the linkage between the use of illicit drugs in the country and the rise of HIV cases.

He says activities such as Bluetoothing for IV drug users and Chem-Sex amongst the younger population are fuelling the rise in new HIV cases.

The practice of "bluetoothing" is withdrawing blood after a drug hit and injecting it into a second person.

The Ministry is finalizing the HIV Surge Strategy which will facilitate their collaboration with health partners, across government ministries, and the communities to strengthen prevention, increase national HIV testing by 3 percent for key population groups, improve access to diagnosis and treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination relating to HIV and AIDS, and strengthen the governance of the HIV response program.

Doctor Lalabalavu reminds everyone in Fiji that unsafe sexual practices and the use of injectable drugs are contributing to the rise of HIV in Fiji.

He says avoiding this risky behaviour can prevent you from getting the HIV infection.

There is a need to re-inculcate into the drivers of all vehicles including Government vehicle drivers, the importance of adhering to the speed limit.

This has been highlighted by Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau when asked by fijivillage News on the rising serious concerns raised about the reckless driving on our roads.

Ro Filipe says the issue was brought up today in the parliamentary caucus and it has been an ongoing issue and he believes it's a hangover from the past.

He says even when he came in to hold the position of Minister for Transport, that was one of the issues he experienced.

He adds they are looking for ways to plan and organise things accordingly, even if they are late so that they are not rushing.

Ro Filipe says this issue has been emphasized by the Prime Minister to all the Ministers to work with their Ministries in terms of speeding by government vehicles.

Non-communicable diseases or lifestyle diseases continue to be the main disease burden for our people contributing to 80 percent of all deaths in the country and 40 percent of premature deaths according to Health Minister, Doctor Atonio Lalabalavu.

While responding to the President’s speech in parliament, Doctor Lalabalavu says he is grateful to the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Civil Service for launching the Policy and Guideline on Healthy Catering at government agencies and institutions which should guide how the civil service can promote and implement healthy eating and meal preparation.

Doctor Lalabalavu says the healthy habits to reduce NCDs in Fiji do not start inside our hospitals and nursing stations.

He says they start and are nurtured in our homes, schools, villages, work places, offices, and also in the deliberations of parliament.

The Health Minister stresses that the NCD crisis we have will require all our collective effort and determination to control and stop.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is finalizing its Wellness and NCD Strategy with the help of their partners, which will guide their effort in addressing NCDs in Fiji.

The coalition government must stop focusing on the issues and fighting for survival within the coalition government partners but must fight for the survival of the ordinary Fijians who are living from paycheck to paycheck and hoping for a better Fiji.

This was highlighted by FijiFirst MP Aliki Bia while responding to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere's opening speech in Parliament.

Bia further says if we continue to neglect the people and turn a blind eye to their voices and needs then there will be no progress, no economic prosperity and no growth and development.

He says this will happen no matter how many forums, summits, meetings and consultations we do.

He says the government of the day is there because the people entrusted their hopes and aspirations of a better family, better community and a better Fiji.

Bia says as policy makers we need to ensure that the people of the country should always come first as they are the very reason for them to be represented as Members of Parliament.

The opposition MP says they are not there because of certain businesses, business people or some companies and non- governmental organisations but for the people whose votes gave them the power to become ministers and Members of Parliament.

He says for too long some politicians are only seen during election campaigns, visiting people and going out to hear their voices but when they are in power they turn and forget the people that voted for them.

Bia says as ministers they need to go out more locally than internationally, they need to hear the heartbeat on the ground, engage ordinary Fijians in talanoa sessions and see the reality of what the people are facing.

He says they are elected to defend the interest of the people of Fiji at all costs and if it takes them to make some sacrifices in their decision making then they should do it because of the people and there should be no two ways about it.

The opposition MP says in the last parliament sitting they spent a lot of time on political talk and less on people talk.

He says we need to honour our words spoken during the election campaign and give an assurance to the people that they are not given false hopes but guaranteed their interest is well served and move the country with dignity and honour.

Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu has called on the Government to ensure that recruitment processes are followed and qualified individuals are appointed to key positions in government.

While speaking in Parliament in response to the President’s opening address, Seruiratu says the Government needs to respect the guidelines and procedures for the appointment to key positions in Government, including leadership in statutory organisations and the appointments to our foreign missions.

He says by faulting this process, we are denying career civil servants and deserving candidates the opportunity to utilize their experience and expertise to their fullest abilities in the process of nation-building.

He adds if this is done correctly, we will be able to transform our civil service into an effective and efficient administrative organ.

The Leader of the Opposition also talked about accountability, where he said that it is time that our Parliamentary systems take serious consideration in reviewing and with the ultimate aim of strengthening its accountability framework.

He says accountability involves the way in which public officials, including members of parliament, ministers, and all public sector bodies are able to be called to account to answer for their actions.

Seruiratu highlighted that the Opposition will aspire to work with the Government to advance the interest of all Fijians, and they will give credit to the Government where it is due.

It is my hope and prayer that we work together to build a stronger nation, with social cohesion, and unity of purpose.

This has been highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while responding to the President’s speech while opening Parliament.

Rabuka says the two major ethnic communities in Fiji have mostly lived in harmony together.

He says the President rued the unfortunate fact that some unscrupulous politicians continue to instigate mistrust among the communities for their own political ends and this has led to the perception of communal difference within our society.

Rabuka says the President had pleaded with the MPs to continue to promote harmony and embrace diversity in the nation.

He says he does not blame any MP who might have looked his way when the President had said these words.

Rabuka says while he cannot change his past, he can contribute to the joint effort to change the future of this country and he will.

The Prime Minister says the President, in his opening address reminded the MPs to focus on their common purpose and not on their differences.

He further says the views of all members of the community are now being heard through consultations for the National Development Plan and these meaningful consultation and dialogue will lead to better outcomes, foster ownership, inclusiveness and social cohesion.

Rabuka says the vision for united and cohesive Fiji is dovetailed very well with the vision of the ocean of peace for the Pacific.

The Prime Minister says Fiji’s foreign policy is guided by three key pillars which focuses on Fiji’s sovereignty, security and prosperity.

He further says they are currently in the process of developing a framework for a foreign policy through a white paper which will clearly define the country’s identity and values while setting a new direction in expressing our goals, priorities and ambition.

The Prime Minister says the intent is to better position Fiji in its role in the region and globally with clarity and the responsibility as a member of the Blue Pacific continent.

Rabuka also says the government is in consultation with the New Zealand government to review the Duavata partnership following the election of the new government late last year.

He says Fiji is also building stronger ties and corporation with development partners including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.

He also says as part of their commitment to good governance and empowerment of local communities, they will work towards the review of the Banaban Settlement Act and are also trying to hold elections for the Rabi Island Council, complete the naturalisation processes for Rabi and Kioa islanders and at the same time, they will urgently address the socio-economic needs of the Melanesian vasu i-Taukei communities.

He also says their main environmental concern is how waste and pollution is managed which is impacting marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Rabuka says they will also review strategies to reduce dumping and littering.

The decision comes from the party and not from me.

Those were the words of the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka when asked by fijivillage News on the removal of Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya as the People's Alliance Party Deputy Leader.

Rabuka says Tabuya complains to the party and not to him.

He says he has no say in the final decision being made.

He adds they put it to the party machinery and the party makes the final decision.

Rabuka says it all comes down to the credibility of the evidence presented.