Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya says if we fail to vaccinate 80 percent of our population by November 2021, we will be among those shut to the world.
Koya says through this budget they are delivering initiatives that are absolutely critical for the revival of the Tourism Industry.
He says with the global crisis far from over and survival still at the top of the mind, we are now finding hope with vaccines.
The Minister says there are some countries who may not get access to the vaccines until 2023.
Koya says while these countries will remain in isolation from the rest of the world until then, we cannot have that for the Fijian Tourism Industry and we most certainly cannot afford it.
He says the good news is that we have enough vaccines for our entire eligible population and they have mapped out a three tiered approach to safely reopen the tourism industry.
Koya has once again reiterated that they opened up businesses because this is not the time to shut them down which would put thousands of Fijians out of work.
The Minister says health and safety is their priority which is why the approvals and permits are being jointly given with the Ministry of Health.
He says there will always be risks but they have minimised these risks through measures in place.
Koya adds the 2021/2022 National Budget is designed to empower businesses and Fijians.
He also says that the Opposition has once again created misinformation and they are inciting Fijians which is wrong.
Koya has stressed that the amendment to the iTaukei Land Trust Act is not taking away any rights of the landowners but will simply make service delivery faster.
He adds the Opposition should listen to SODELPA MP Mosese Bulitavu and Hope Party Leader Tupou Draunidalo who have also said these things in public.
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