The Coalition Government says it is undeterred on its promise to forgive the TELS debt on the basis that students will do service to the country through bonding provisions.
While delivering his national address on the government’s 100 days in office, Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that the Study Loan agreement will be converted into bonding agreement in the next budget.
Rabuka says the coalition made a commitment to write-off debts related to the Tertiary Loans Scheme and National Toppers Scheme.
He says a Working Committee is looking into the legislation to make provisions on forgiving of TELS debt.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says your government is engaged on changing the Electoral Registration of Voters Amendment Act so women can use their name of preference.
While delivering a national address on the government’s 100 days in office, Rabuka says many women were angered and confused when they were required to revert to their birth certificate names to register as voters.
He says legal action was also taken by one group.
Details on when this law will be changed have not been announced.
Rabuka also highlighted that they campaigned hard against the oppressive Media Industry Development Act, which curtailed media freedom, and had promised that they would scrap it.
A Bill to repeal the Media Act will be debated in parliament on Thursday.
The Prime Minister says they have also taken action as well to repeal the controversial i-Taukei Land Trust Amendment Bill, known as Bill 17.
He says this was enacted with undue haste without consultation with the landowners.
Rabuka says at least 12 other pieces of legislation impacting the i-Taukei will be reviewed in the 2022-2023 Parliament session.
He says this is in line with their commitment to review and repeal i-Taukei related laws that marginalise their rights.
The Prime Minister further says a shadow was cast over Fiji’s history when the Great Council of Chiefs was closed down.
He says for the indigenous people, the GCC is a symbol of their identity and culture.
Rabuka says they regard it as the traditional apex of the vanua.
He says they decided that it must be restored, and its new life begins on May 24th and 25th on the chiefly island of Bau.
The Prime Minister adds that the outcome document of the Inaugural iTaukei Resource Owners Forum is ready to be submitted to the National Economic Summit and Cabinet. Cabinet has also endorsed Fiji’s support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Another achievement highlighted includes the allowing of Dr Padma Lal, widow of the famed historian and academic, Professor Brij Lal, to return to Fiji.
Rabuka says she had been prevented by the last Government from bringing home the ashes of her late husband, for his last rites at his birthplace of Tabia near Labasa.
He says with her family and the nation, she finally got to say the last farewell to Professor Lal.
Rabuka says they have also approved the use of our vernacular languages in parliament to more fully reflect the multi-racial nature of Fiji.
He also says in January, the Government acted quickly to put together a $50 million Back-to-School support package to help parents and guardians buy school items for their children.
The assistance went to more than 220,000 students who shared a total payout out of $44.4 million.
Rabuka says as pledged, they maintained social pensions and other forms of support and benefits for the poor and needy, including bus fare subsidies, care and protection of children and single parents.
He says at March 5th, there were 96,966 recipients under social protection programmes.
The Prime Minister says the penalties and persecution directed at the University of the South Pacific by the Government were a major concern. He says they were particularly focused on the welfare of many thousands of Fijian students, and those from neighbouring countries, whose education was under threat.
Rabuka says they have made urgent arrangements to pay $10 million to support the USP’s operations for the remainder of the financial year.
More payments will be made to meet the Fiji government’s total arrears.
They also lifted the immigration ban on the USP Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia so that he could resume his duties at the Laucala Campus.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says we must brace and prepare ourselves for the findings of the Fiscal Review Committee by the first week in May and adds the country may not receive good news.
While giving a national address in relation to their first 100 days in office, Rabuka says that should not diminish our belief in what Fiji can become.
He says we are faced with some real challenges, especially financially and there may be hard times.
Rabuka adds their appointment of a Fiscal Review Committee of highly qualified Fijians was in line with their thinking on consultation and tapping into local expertise.
Rabuka says they will draw on the skills and knowledge of committee members to add to their thoughts and ideas on solving the financial difficulties that confront us.
He adds the committee will take account of the views of as many people as possible adding that they want to know what they think, even if they are not financial experts.
He further says a National Economic Summit is another Government priority, reflecting awareness that special initiatives are needed to get a grip on the economic and social hazards before us.
The Prime Minister adds 500 delegates from a cross section of society will take part in the summit from April 20th to 21st in Suva.
He says they will join with the Government in debating and making recommendations on sundry issues affecting society and the economy.
Rabuka highlighted that from this will come the basis for a national vision to guide the nation
He says the ideas and proposals adopted will assist in putting together the coalition’s first budget.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says the government is acutely aware that before the creation of the new Fiji, they must first deal with big challenges and problems - such as managing the national debt, restoring basic services and repairing damaged infrastructure.
He says this will cause some financial pain but when it is over we can move forward with confidence.
Rabuka says it’s important for him to explain that the coalition – the People’s Alliance, the National Federation Party and SODELPA - works as a united whole.
He also says they strongly believe the country would be better served by a parliament employing a joint approach by Government and Opposition on crucial national issues.
Rabuka says the previous administration always rejected any suggestion of co-operation.
He says he was pleased when the new Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, responded favourably to overtures from him for Members of both sides of the House to work together in the interests of the country when circumstances demand.
Rabuka says he counts this as an achievement.
He says the new relationship between Government and Opposition will have positive significance not only in Parliament, but also in the country at large.
The Prime Minister adds it will be one more step towards achieving a more favourable and productive political climate.
He says obviously, the Opposition will continue to play its democratic role of keeping a check on Government.
He says there will be many clashes and arguments, but this should not deter them from joining forces when necessary.
Rabuka also paid a special tribute to the people of the country who played a very real part in the initial push by the coalition to set Fiji on course for a great revival.
He says together we are breaking down the walls that have separated our communities.
The Prime Minister says from this will emerge a new spirit and energy to make our nationhood complete.
He says your eager acceptance of the freedom that came with the appointment of the coalition is another milestone and it will be a strong pillar of our democracy.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says plans have been taking shape since the start of the year for creating new developments and income in agriculture.
Rabuka says similarly, they are moving to revitalise the sugar industry that had come close to collapse and the main initiative at the moment is to finish preparation of a draft strategic plan to increase production and efficiency.
He says it should be ready by the end of the month.
Rabuka further says consultations with farmers were held in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu to listen to concerns and find solutions.
The Prime Minister adds they have announced a price for sugar cane this year of $85 per tonne.
He says depending on production this could lead to approximately $139 million being shared among 10,872 farmers.
Rabuka highlighted that initial discussions are taking place about establishing an ethanol plant.
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