Great news as Fiji has joined the USAID Democracy Delivers Initiative which will see the USA mobilizing new resources to support the people of Fiji in several key domains.
In a video message during the US independence day celebrations at the US Embassy, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development Samantha Power says yesterday, it was a celebration of the enduring values of freedom, human rights and democracy that the two countries share.
She says these values formed the foundation for the strong partnership between the USA and Fiji.
Power says last year, when she had the chance to visit Fiji to open the USA Pacific Islands Mission in Suva, she saw firsthand Fiji's continued commitment to democratic principles and with it the meaningful benefits for the lives of all Fijians.
The USAID Administrator says Fiji has achieved significant democratic progress, which is evidenced by its recent peaceful transition of power.
She says as part of this effort, USAID will be working with the government of Fiji to help it cement its recent democratic gains and to help its citizens understand how democracy delivers on their most pressing needs.
Power says some key domains they will be supporting are the municipal elections, increasing women's political participation as per voters and candidates, extending access to the electoral process to people living with disabilities and helping Fijian farmers improve the cultivation of roots crops, fruits and rice, so Pacific Islanders have access to local grown nutritious food.
She also says this will help in building more waste collection points in communities and promoting recycling and outreach to stem the flow of ocean plastics' thereby protecting the ocean ecosystems that are so essential both to Fijian communities and to our planet's future.
She adds these resources have been mobilised to meet citizens' priorities and help the Fijian people seize and expand on this moment of democratic opportunity.
Meanwhile, a large number of people turned up at the US Embassy in Suva to celebrate the 248th Anniversary of the US Independence.
Some prominent people that attended the celebration hosted by US Ambassador, Marie Damour include the Acting President and Acting Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka, members of the cabinet, civil societies, foreign dignitaries and business people.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
