Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu has challenged the Opposition to explain who would lose their jobs if its proposal to reduce Fiji's civil service were implemented, arguing that such calls create uncertainty for teachers, families and communities that rely on public services.
Responding to calls by Opposition Members of Parliament and Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu for a reduction in the size of the civil service, Bainivalu says behind any proposal to cut public sector jobs are "real people, real families and real communities".
Bainivalu questions whether the Opposition had considered the impact such a move would have on essential services.
She singled out teachers as an example, asking whether the proposed cuts would affect those who leave their families to serve in rural and maritime schools under often difficult conditions.
She says teachers dedicate themselves to preparing lessons, guiding children and ensuring every child in Fiji has access to education, while many also sacrifice time with their own families.
The Minister says in many villages and remote islands, teachers serve not only as educators but also as mentors and role models who provide children with hope and opportunity.
She questioned which schools would lose teachers, which children would receive less support and which communities would see a reduction in education services if the civil service were downsized.
Bainivalu says it is easy to speak about reducing public sector numbers, but far more difficult to explain such decisions to the families, parents and children who would be directly affected.
She says teachers and other public servants make daily sacrifices to serve communities across the country and deserved respect and support.
Bainivalu says the Government will continue to stand with teachers and hardworking public servants who keep the country functioning, adding that Fiji needs leadership that strengthens essential services rather than creating uncertainty for those who deliver them.
