Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji can never be classified as a beggar, as some sarcastic Fijians, post on social media when the Deputy Prime Ministers, Professor Biman Prasad, Manoa Kamikamica and he visited development partners, they go with their ‘begging bowls’.
Rabuka stated this in Parliament this morning while replying to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu opening speech.
The Prime Minister says when they return, whether they have been given gifts or grants for development programmes, he wants to assure all Fijians of today and of the future that Fiji can never be classified as a ‘beggar.’
Rabuka says Fiji has played its part in global conflicts of the past, as it continues to play its part in peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts of today, that has earned its place as a global player, perhaps ‘punching above its own weight’ and rightfully earned its place among nations in the global fight for humanity today.
He says they have been reminded by the President that this Parliament must always be a place where ideas flourish, where debates are driven by purpose, and where every decision is made with the people’s best interests at heart.
The Prime Minister says let us commit and promise to our youth – the future of this great nation – to tirelessly pursue a brighter, wealthier and more peaceful nation – the Nation of their dreams, ambitions, and which their hard work will define the destiny of our nation.
He says let us be bold in our aspirations, relentless in our pursuit of excellence, and unwavering in our commitment to build a better Fiji that thrives through unity and prosperity.
Rabuka says Ratu Naiqama noted that we live in challenging times, as the whole world is experiencing the same phenomenon, no one is spared from these challenges.
The Prime Minister says although the benefits of development, particularly technological advancements are reaching most of us, we cannot deny the fact that many of our people are still left out.
He says exploiting their plight, particularly on social media is demeaning.
Rabuka says the use of our freedom of expressions, with the far-reaching effects of Information Technology, can be exceedingly harmful to family and customary relationships.
He echoed the words of the President, that we must use them wisely and without malice, using our words to encourage not to disparage!
