The famous saying of ‘action speaks louder than words’ very well summarized the thoughts of chiefs in the Lomaiviti province about Government developments in the country.
During her visit to Levuka this week, Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Dr Jiko Luveni heard from some chiefs the positive impact government was making in their rural communities.
The minister also informed the people of Levuka that the Roadmap for Democracy Socio Economic Development 2009 - 2014 was really about improving people lives, especially those that dwell in the rural and outer islands.
The chief of Vuma village, Mr Usaia Delai expressed gratitude to government for its timely assistance in the form of free textbooks and bus fares.
“We appreciate what Government is doing in terms of empowering the people in the rural and outer islands through the free text books and bus fares for the school children,” Mr Delai said.
“This is something we had been hoping for years until now and we thank Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and Minister Dr Luveni for the support shown for children’s education.
“And likewise, for the financial empowerment of women through income generating programmes,” he said.
The chief of Vagadaci village, Mr Isoa Saqacala echoed similar sentiments, saying that their village has descendants of Solomon islands and part Europeans but they all lived together as a family and assist each other.
The Vagadaci and Wailailai communities were very pleased with government efforts to assist the poor and vulnerable in the society.
“We are really happy with the efforts and initiatives of the Government to assist the poor and disabled in the community through the bus fare subsidy,” Mr Saqacala said.
“ The food voucher programme will enable thousands of families put food on their table.”
Mr Saqacala thanked Dr Luveni for encouraging their women to become independent and confident.
“ We have had a lot of financial difficulties when buying uniforms for our school children and the four new sewing machines presented by the minister will greatly assist our efforts,” he said.
Lovoni village chief Mr Vatusaiuasi Rokoyawa recognised the genuineness of the Bainimarama government from day one when it introduced the Peoples Charter document.
“ We were confident they would serve us well and that they were results based,” Mr Rokoyawa said.
“ The people of Lovoni support the Peoples Charter for we are now seeing the developments around the country.
“Better services, equal opportunities created for all and initiatives by Prime Minister in terms of education for our children, bus fare subsidy for the children and now for the elderly and disabled will surely go a long way in assisting people improve their living standards,” he said.
“These changes speak of the commitment the Government has for its people.”
Dr Jiko Luveni was presenting the sewing machines in Vuna village.
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