I strive to be as true of a partner as I can to every province and every Fijian - Bainimarama

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says for decades, Cakaudrove was sidelined from the nation’s development and in those years, what little progress Fiji enjoyed was felt almost entirely in the urban areas and that is where the elites lived, and that is where they focused their attention.

While opening the Cakaudrove Provincial Council Meeting today, Bainimarama says that is not how he chooses to lead as he strives to be as true of a partner as he can to every province and to every Fijian in every corner of Fiji because he truly believes the nation is stronger when no Fijians are left behind.

Bainimarama says Fiji was a vastly different place and our society was dominated by a privileged elite who sought to keep the nation hostage to forces of ethnic, religious and provincial division.

He says some believed that by pitting Fijians against each other, they could retain their privileges and continue to soak up the country’s resources for themselves.

Bainimarama says these people simply lacked the imagination or the interest to make the changes that this country so desperately needed and some just didn’t care.

He says they have ended that era and ushered in a new one of equality, fairness and justice for all Fijians.

Bainimarama says their detractors criticized them and argued at every turn but they persevered, earned the support of the people and the confidence of the world.

He says they have continued to deliver strong and sensible leadership that people can count on.

The Prime Minister says they brought stability to the country for the first time since 1987 and this government works better than it ever has before, and it works for the people.

He says poverty in Fiji was assessed at 31% in 2008-2009 and today it has fallen to 24% - the lowest level ever recorded.

Bainimarama says they are doing everything possible to keep driving down that figure.

Bainimarama then said that from 2014 to 2021, they have dedicated more than $79 million to improve conditions in Cakaudrove to make life better for the people who live here.

He says they have connected more than 40 sites in Vanua Levu to internet access by installing satellite equipment in schools and nursing stations that allows students, teachers, and healthcare workers to access information and connect with their fellow Fijians and communities can share that access as well.