Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama believes the new American engagement with Fiji would be of great benefit to the Macuata Province.
PM Bainimarama made this statement while opening the Macuata Provincial Council Meeting, where he highlighted his recent diplomatic visit to the United States of America where he met US Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Head of Government also highlighted that the Government has invested a total of $170 million in the Macuata Province from 2014, in its efforts to serve everyone equally in building Fijian communities.
“In our meeting (with the US) we discussed the finer details of how America’s new commitment of resources and expertise can best benefit our people and our Pacific Island sisters and brothers,” he said.
“That new American engagement can directly benefit Macuata because there is so much we can gain from America’s maritime might, technology and science.
“We will be able to protect our waters through joint deployments that combat trans-national crime including illegal fishing, which I know means a great deal for the beautiful stretches of reefs that fall under your communities’ protection.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also virtually joined the Pacific Island Forum in July where she made new major commitments on behalf of the US Government to strengthen America’s engagement with Fiji and the Pacific.
Prime Minister Bainimarama said he had been opening provincial council meetings around the country to see first-hand how communities are experiencing recovery at the provincial level.
“The pandemic’s impact was felt across the country and our response depended mightily on every Fijian’s commitment,” he said.
“So, as our economy gains strength by the day, we must ensure that its benefits reach every Fijian everywhere in Fiji, including here in beautiful Macuata.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama has commended the cooperation of Fijians by getting vaccinated which has allowed for restoration of businesses, and for gatherings during celebrations and in times of grief.