Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
7 April, 2026, 4:47 pm
Central - 25°C Rain
7 April, 2026, 4:47 pm Central - 25°C Rain

SODELPA will cancel all student loan debts for students who have graduated with a TELS contract – Gavoka
Gavoka says they will not fire the messenger

SODELPA will cancel all student loan debts for students who have graduated with a TELS contract – Gavoka

Gavoka says they will not fire the messenger

By Naveel Krishant
29/11/2021
SODELPA Leader, Viliame Gavoka. [Image: Parliament of Fiji]

SODELPA Leader, Viliame Gavoka says SODELPA’s desire is to make free tertiary education a reality and any Fijian student who has the necessary entry marks into any technical college or university in Fiji will be guaranteed free tuition.

While responding to the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s speech during the opening of parliament, Gavoka says SODELPA will cancel all student loan debts for students who have graduated with a TELS contract.

Gavoka claims the current Toppers Scheme and TELS are biased, inequitable and burdensome as it sends students into debts of upto $100,000 before they even get a job.

The SODELPA Leader says they were not aware that laws were being made that require them to make a manifesto and prepare a full budget to reflect what is in the manifesto.

He further says SODELPA will remove VAT from basic food items and will increase minimum wage to $5, to improve access to basic human needs. Gavoka adds to accelerate participation of ethnic groups and businesses, SODELPA will review and make changes to make sure that they reduce the economic gap between the haves and have nots.

He also says the Qoliqoli will never go away and they cannot close the discussions on the issue adding that multiple approaches will be made for the iTaukei and previous governments’ plans will be reviewed to identity where they went wrong and necessary changes made.

The SODELPA Leader adds they will improve ease of doing business as we are excessively regulated.

Gavoka says SODELPA will not be afraid of reports that highlights the truth and they will not fire the messenger.

Gavoka has also congratulated Ratu Wiliame on his appointment as the new President of Fiji.

FEATURE NEWS
Flash flood warning, strong wind warning and heavy rain warning in place
A heavy rain warning, a flash flood warning and a strong wind warning is in place for Fiji as the centre of Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Vaianu contin...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Homes damaged as strong winds continue to hit Lautoka
Strong winds continue to intensify and has damaged some homes in parts of Lautoka.While speaking to fijivillage News, a resident of Field 40 says ...
29 minutes ago

Fallen power lines and outage in parts of Western Division
Fallen power lines and outage are affecting parts of the Western Division as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu intensifies, bringing heavy rain and strong ...
30 minutes ago

Fiji Bus Operators call for suspension of services amid severe weather
The Fiji Bus Operators Association is calling on operators to cease bus services today and tomorrow due to the current weather situation.Association ...
53 minutes ago

FJ914 from Sydney to Nadi diverted to Tonga as a precautionary measure, local flights cancelled
Fiji Airways flight FJ914 from Sydney to Nadi had to be diverted to Tonga as a precautionary measure due to adverse weather conditions.Fiji Airways ...
59 minutes ago

150 people at 5 evacuation centres across the Eastern, Western and Central Divisions
150 people from 58 households are currently being accommodated at 5 evacuation centres across the Eastern, Western and Central Divisions.The National ...
1 hour ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
32 days ago

TOP