The results of an independent Poll conducted by the Australian foreign policy think tank, the Lowy Institute for International Policy was welcomed by the Ministry for Information permanent secretary, Sharon Smith-Johns today.
Ms Smith-Johns said the Lowy Institute Report showed the results of the Bainimarama Government’s objective of implementing reforms through the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress which united the people of Fiji.
“The results shows the Government has been actively listening and paying attention to the views and concerns of various stakeholders, across the whole of the country,” the permanent secretary said.
“The Bainimarama Government has never wavered from its roadmap towards parliamentary democracy and this is clearly shown through the results of the report and the support of the nation.”
On the international front, the report has very accurately revealed the true sentiments of the people of Fiji where they “are concerned with the way in which the international community have treated Fiji since the 2006 take over ”.
“The majority of those polled said Fiji should be left alone to sort out its return to democracy, expressing opposition to international pressure on the Fijian Government,” Ms Smith-Johns said.
It is heartening to see that while we have political differences with Australia the report reveals that 74 per cent of people polled, warmly regarded Australians and that 81 per cent said Australia should lift all sanctions and re-establish normal relations with Fiji.
Overall the report is extremely positive as stated in the report: “The Fijian Government has promised it would improve basic services for the population. Its efforts to deliver services appear to have registered with citizens with 82 per cent saying the Government was doing a good job providing education, 71 per cent said it was doing a good job providing transport and 69 per cent said it was doing a good job delivering healthcare and health services”.
This clearly demonstrates that the Government is moving in the right direction and has the support of the people, Ms Smith-Johns added.