Reactions to 2008 Budget

Reactions to the 2008 National Budget Announced by the Interim Finance Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry at the Tradewinds Convention Centre in Lami.Speaking after the budget address, Businessman, Hari Punja has raised concern that import duty on white rice and peace has been reduced which is not beneficial for local farmers and manufacturers.Interim Tourism minister, Benedatte Ganilau is surprised at the Hotel Turnover tax being increased from 3 to 5 percent, saying that this information should have been given to the tourism ministry one year beforehand. While there was no mention of the 4% pay cut restoration for all civil servants, the Interim Public Service Minister, Poseci Bune has confirmed that there is a possibility that Civil servants will receive the two percent paycut in June next year and the other 2 percent in December.However, this will come without backdating.The Ministry of Fisheries and Forests will see that the Mahogany is reformed and managed wisely with the $58 million allocation given to them by the Interim Government.Interim Minister, Joketani Cokanasiga said the task ahead will symbolize a new outlook. The Interim Transport Minister, Manu Korovulavula said he has already drawn up a plan to improve road conditions around the country.Korovulavula said their plan will come into place as soon as the $260 million dollar loan from China is approved.Interim Minister for Women and Social Welfare, Adi Laufitu Malani said the $5 million allocated to the Social Welfare Ministry is a great help as they would now be able to facilitate squatter resettlement.The Director of Immigration, Viliame Naupoto is happy that the Interim Government has decided to employ additional staff as he had wished for more people in his department. Naupoto also said with the last batch of passports coming in for the month of December, they will be looking at modern ones for next year. Interim Sports Minister, Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi withheld his comments about the Sports allocation of $450,000.One of the people that were very happy about the Budget and its allocation for his area of expertise was, University of Fiji Vice Chancellor, Rajesh Chandra, who adds that this allocation and recognition in the budget has really boosted their morale.