The new constitution needs to spell out the rights of all the people in relation to their basic needs.
Speaking to a public seminar on the challenges of poverty to the Constitution Commission, former Wages Council chairman Father Kevin Barr said poverty is a multidimensional problem with a variety of causes, solutions and implications for society.
He pointed out that currently in Fiji there is at least about 35 percent of the population living below the poverty line and another 30 percent living not far above the poverty line.
He said this should be a worrying figure for the nation.
He reiterated there should be some structures set in place to cater for people’s needs.
Meanwhile, Ben Vakaloloma who spoke on behalf of the informal settlement said in the past 50 years, he was really sad to witness how the poor and marginalized people of Fiji live.
Vakaloloma said in Tauvegavega in Ba, an old couple in their 80s were receiving $30 per month which is about $7.50 a week to live on, had no other option but to send their grandson to beg on the streets.
Story by: Tokasa Rainima
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New constitution should address poverty problem – Fr Barr
