Former Trade Unionist Felix Anthony is the new leader of the People’s Democratic Party.
Anthony contested with outgoing Interim President of the Party Adi Sivia Qoro for the leader’s position.
After the elections, Anthony stressed that Qoro will remain with the Party.
Speaking in a press conference, Anthony said the most important thing they can offer to the people of Fiji is the multiracial makeup that was seen in the Party’s conference today.
Anthony said they do not believe that it is appropriate to start talking about a United Front because he does not believe there is a united front as the elections will be fought by individual parties.
While addressing Party supporters at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka today, Anthony also highlighted if they win, the PDP will develop a pension scheme that is flexible and realistic.
He said they will also review the Fiji National Provident Fund to ensure that members are able to enjoy the benefit of a fair, equitable and well-mannered superannuation scheme on retirement and not having to live under the poverty line.
He said the Party will consider the reintroduction of external examinations in secondary schools and they will ensure as far as possible education from early childhood to primary and secondary is free and compulsory.
He said they will see that all tertiary education will be provided on a cost share basis with the students share to be paid back upon finding work and reaching a reasonable income threshold after graduation.
Anthony said the party will undertake a major review of Fiji’s public health system including hospital management and will divide strategies and policies aimed at improving Fiji’s primary health care system.
He said the party also has within its constitution a requirement to have 20 percent women and 20 percent youth within its leadership.
Meanwhile, Lynda Tabuya is the Party’s new President while Aman Ravindra Singh is the General Secretary.
More than 2,000 people attended the People’s Democratic Party conference today.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso and Dhanjay Deo
Feature
Anthony elected PDP leader
