More than 55 communities in the Western Division will benefit from the government's Multi-Ethnic Grant, which aims to support local development projects, including infrastructure improvements, water management, and cultural initiatives.
This was announced by Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, during a handover ceremony yesterday.
Singh says this marks the return of the grant program after 14 years, following the re-establishment of the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, which had been abolished in 2011.
He says the grant program, with a budget of $1.5 million for this year, will be distributed across different divisions.
The Minister says the Western Division is the first to receive the funds, with distributions scheduled in Labasa next Tuesday and other locations before the end of the month.
He says a total of almost $400,000 has been allocated for the Western Division.
He further says the initiative aims to empower and strengthen community-based organisations by funding projects such as fencing, water supply improvements, purchasing equipment, renovations and support for religious and cultural activities.
Singh says applications for the grant program opened on the 31st of August last year and closed on the 1st of November after an extension due to a low number of applications.
He says each application underwent a thorough assessment and verification process before approval to ensure that funds are used correctly and that communities meet the requirements for future grants.
He also highlighted other initiatives under the Ministry, including plans for new crematoriums in Lautoka, Ba, Labasa and Navua, with machinery for these projects currently being imported from India.
He says the Ministry is also organising the Girmit commemoration in Labasa this year, following previous celebrations in Suva and the Western Division.
He adds that the preservation of Girmit history is a key priority, ensuring that future generations understand their heritage.
Singh says the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs is now part of national legislation, meaning no future government can abolish it.
