Former Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament Manoa Kamikamica says this is not an election budget but one that addresses the nation's key challenges, provides relief to cushion the impact of the global economic climate, and shifts focus to the private sector to drive growth and investment in productive infrastructure.
While supporting the 2026/2027 National Budget in Parliament, Kamikamica says much has been said about Fiji's debt, noting that according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report, released in May 2026, Fiji's public debt remains sustainable, although debt vulnerabilities are assessed as moderate.
He says Fiji's challenge is that economic growth is still not strong enough, and the country must work together to expand the economy.
Kamikamica's message to the people is that there is no need to panic.
Insert: Manoa no need to panic – 13 July 2026
Kamikamica says when the coalition government came into office, it inherited a system that was "akin to the Nabukalou Creek", arguing that the democracy that existed since 2014 was a mirage.
He says the Public Accounts Committee hopes to complete its review and parliamentary debate of all government audit reports up to 2024 by the end of this year, bringing scrutiny of government accounts up to date.
Kamikamica also voiced support for the 5 percent tourism levy, saying it will help support Fiji Airways and ensure the national airline remains financially strong.
He reminded the tourism industry that it previously paid the Environmental and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL) and service turnover tax, which together amounted to about 15 percent, with little public opposition.
The former Deputy Prime Minister says the levy is only being imposed for one year, which he believes is reasonable.
He adds that while difficult decisions will need to be made over the next four years, he is confident the coalition government is up to the task.
