DEPUTY PM HON. VILIAME GAVOKA'S ADDRESS ON THE OPENING OF THE 2024 SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir,
Honourable Prime Minister, 
Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers
Honourable Ministers and Assistant Ministers, 
Honourable Leader of Opposition, 
Honourable Members of Parliament, 
And all online and TV viewers
Bula Vinaka! And a good morning to you all.
 
I am privileged, to reflect on the insightful themes presented in the Inaugural Address of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Fiji, Na Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, during the opening session of Parliament for 2024.
 
Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond to the key messages articulated by His Excellency, concerning Education, Tourism and Civil Aviation. 
 
I echo the same sentiment expressed by His Excellency, the President that indeed Education will continue to be a priority. The Coalition government has not changed its stance since we came into power to ensure that no child is left behind in all our planning and policies in place at the Ministry of Education.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, as we all know that the TELS debt amounting to a total of $650 million, owed by 53,725 students was written off in 2023. And under the new Fijian Scholarship Scheme with a total budget of $148.2 million has catered for 8,720 new students and continues for the 9,148 existing students.
 
Also, for the information of this August House, Mr. Speaker Sir, under the $200 Back to School Support for 2024, a total of $42.5m has benefitted 212,740 students from ECE to Year 13.
 
Mr Speaker Sir, the successful Fiji National Education Summit, which I opened on 19 September 2023 had established a strategic direction which will transform our Education System, thus, building and supporting resilient Fijians. With a new direction, the Ministry must revamp its vision and mission statements along with its guiding principles, values, and responsibilities.
 
For the information of this August house, the last summit was the Suva Declaration in 2005 and it is after 18 years then another Education summit is staged.
 
The outcome of the Fiji Education Summit is the 10 years Denarau Declaration which entails its implementation phase and has taken into consideration its alignment to SDG 4 and the National Development Plan (NDP). The Denarau declaration launched on November 10, 2023, focuses on 7 major thematic areas. These are:
 
First and foremost, Curriculum & Sustainable Development which endeavour for learners at all levels of education to access high quality relevant programs with inclusive examinations and assessment practice and process.
 
Processes which the highest standards of reliability, relevance and validity through its Quality Assurance and Assessment Systems.
 
The previous government removed scaling, effectively making our children severely disadvantaged in comparison to other children globally. My Ministry of education is effectively working to reverse this decision with the re-introduction of Scaling of Examinations.
 
The 2nd area is enhancing the Teaching Profession and Leadership. Our Ministry intends to strengthen an inspired, empowered, and productive teaching workforce.
 
Our coalition government with the intention to motivate and retain staff in the civil service, through the Ministry of Civil Service Circular 2/2024 and Circular 5/2024 mandated all government ministries that “Retention measures through regularisation of acting appointments, allowing step Movements, filling of re-evaluated Positions and utilising of Alternate talent pool,” be effected.
 
Our Ministry regularisation process begun and successfully concluded the exercise. We have currently confirmed 1420 out of the 1958 officers that have been in acting positions both in the teaching and non-teaching administrative posts. Some of these officers have been acting from 2 years to 20 years from Vice Principal position and below.
 
I will share a personal experience that I came across last week whilst I was with my Team at Pacific Harbour during the ‘Women in School Leadership Program’ training. A few women leaders walked up to my Permanent Secretary and conveyed their acknowledgement to the Ministry and stated that ‘We were about to resign and leave for overseas but because of the Regularisation process we stayed back, Madam”.

There were several other similar messages received by our staff on the same issue.
 
The Ministry will re-introduce Teacher Competency Framework and discussions have begun with our stakeholders. Teacher qualifications of Secondary Teacher Training Certificate (STTC) and International Diploma in tertiary Teaching (IDTT) are now recognised as of 7th February 2024. The arbitrary non-recognition of the STTC and IDTT by the previous government in 2021 severely disadvantaged our teachers in many ways.
 
Moreover, Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry is committed to strengthening Early Childhood Education (ECE), and Inclusive Education, to ensure that every young child sent to Early Childhood Centres or Kindergarten has access to an equitable, safe and healthy learning environment. We have planned and are beginning to roll out a restructure that will have dedicated Senior Officers positioned at the Director level for Special inclusive Education (SIE) and ECE. Additionally in the recent Coalition government Decision in January 2024 on the roll out of regularisation and step up, enabled our ministry to Step-up the salary of 739 ECE teachers.
 
Mr Speaker Sir, Education Financing and Effective Governance is another priority area. This includes the review and development of policies, regulations, and resource allocation while working collaboratively with all internal and external stakeholders including our Education Partners.
 
In addition, is the Technical, Vocational Education & Training (TVET), Non-formal and Lifelong Learning. Resurrecting the Unit is crucial as we need to meet the shortage in skills in the current labour market, including Tourism. My ministry is working closely with Higher Education Institutes to offer relevant TVET courses while we try to resolve the legal matters pertaining to the failed Technical Colleges.
 
In 2023, 32 vocational centres were operational. For 2024, we have scoped and will re-open 13 more vocational centres. It is our intention that every province will have a vocational center. The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV) stressed the importance of having skilled young people. Skills set that is contextualised to their community needs.
 
For example, in the Nadroga Navosa Provincial School that was converted to Technical College but has been idle with state of art vocational equipment will re-open soon as we work with the Nadroga Navosa Provincial Council on this issue. We will offer vocational subjects focused on Hospitality, Carpentry and Joinery and even Automotive Engineering offering viable alternatives for employment and entrepreneurship for our people on the Coral Coast. Scoping has also begun for Lomawai Secondary School.
 
In addition, under the new Scholarship and grants scheme, 1800 grant awards has been allocated for micro qualifications in constructions, automotive and tourism and 400 grant awards for apprenticeship incentive scheme.
 
Mr. Speaker, Sir, my ministry is also prioritising Digital Learning & Transformation, Information Technology and Cyber Safety. Internet connectivity and accessibility to digital resources is important for all the children in Fiji. My ministry will need the support of communication providers and relevant stakeholders for connectivity and digitalisation of our remote and maritime schools. The initiative by our Coalition government and partnership with Starlink will see the Pilot of Starlink in 15 schools for 2024. Development of content for the Digital platform needs the partnership of genuine education partners to ensure that all schools access e-learning.
 
The final or 7th thematic area is strengthening of the Education Policy, Planning, Research and Data. Evidence based research and data is needed for the Ministry to make informed decisions in consultation with the policies and legislations in place. This essential unit was also dismantled in the last 15 years, so there was a lack of planning and directions for the biggest Ministry in government. The absence of the unit impacted planning, monitoring, and evaluation of educational activities. Just this past weekend Mr Speaker Sir, our Ministry had our First Senior Management Staff Planning Workshop to finalise our Costed Operational Plan (COP) for the next Fiscal year.

An exercise that we hadn’t done since 2016.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Denarau Declaration which govern the new directions for the Education Ministry, will only be fully implemented when the education act, relevant laws, policies, and programs are reviewed. The Ministry of Education has already started working in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. I have invited the Honourable AG to delve into this in his address later this week.
 
Collaboration with the office of the Attorney General is critical. The legislation must be current, applicable and futuristic if we are to be relevant to the evolving global Education landscape and cognizant of the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
 
Finally, Mr Speaker Sir, I reassure this August house that the talented and very competent team ably led by a Permanent Secretary with a passion for Education, have been working diligently to ensure that all newly developed policies adhere to the required processes and procedures. An example is the appointment of Commissioners for the New Education Commission and part of their task is to review the current National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
 
Mr Speaker, Sir, as Rome was not built in a day, so it is crucial for my Ministry to get the right bricks to lay the foundation of the Denarau Declaration Framework for the future of the education system for our beloved children of Fiji.
 
Mr. Speaker, Sir, Honourable Members of this August House, allow me to share the significant impact of tourism and civil aviation on Fiji’s economy. 
 
Fiji’s economic growth continues on the back of a strong tourism sector, the key driver. 
 
In 2023, Fiji’s post-pandemic economic recovery was marked by an estimated growth of 8.2 percent. This growth is expected to continue, bringing our economy above 2019 levels of GDP by the end of 2024.
 
Last year, we broke records and welcomed 929,740 visitors, up by 46.1 percent compared to 2022 and by 4 percent compared to pre-pandemic arrivals in 2019. Markets such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada have exceeded past years.
 
Tourism earnings reached $1.7 billion cumulatively in September 2023, surpassing the corresponding 2019 level by 9.5 percent. 
 
Accommodations providers in Fiji were operating at an average occupancy of 71% in January. 
 
In January 2024, visitor arrivals exceeded previous records for the same month with a record 70,324 visitors.
 
As shared by His Excellency, for the first time in Fijian history, we expect to welcome one million visitors. That’s a first for us. 
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, 
Our connectivity with the rest of the world has not only been restored but also enhanced through our national airline. 
 
The 2024 capacity outlook is expected to grow between 8 and 10 percent compared to 2023. 
 
Fiji Airways has also considerably invested in its fleet, with the addition of two new A350 aircraft in 2023.  Fiji Airways newest destination is the Nadi to Noumea route with two weekly services. 
 
Fiji Airways currently operates in 24 destinations, including 10 regional and 14 international destinations, with discussions underway to expand more routes. 
 
The focus now is to increase code sharing through marketing arrangements with other airlines.
 
With added seats, there is the option to add capacity to fly to routes that are in demand—and the flexibility to explore other markets, such as additional destinations in the US.
 
My ministry is undertaking initial discussions for a Civil Aviation Master Plan for Fiji intended to be rolled out this calendar year.  

This would be the first Civil Aviation Master Plan established for Fiji.  Additionally, Fiji has an Aviation Policy which is outdated and will now be reviewed in line with imminent changes in the aviation industry.

To meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation resolution relating to environmental protection, we are working in collaboration with Fiji Airways, the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, and Fiji Airports Limited on reviewing Fiji’s State Action Plan on Carbon Dioxide Emissions.

This State Action Plan to ICAO elaborates on the activities Fiji is undertaking to address CO2 emissions from international aviation and to enable ICAO to measure Fiji’s progress towards meeting the global goals.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji has been working diligently to review Fiji’s State Safety Program which is currently in the process of being finalised.

The next step will be the establishment of a National Aviation Safety Plan.
 
Fiji’s efforts were re-affirmed by the acceptance of Fiji's bid to host the Office of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Pacific Small Island Developing States Officer, and the subsequent signing of the Host State Agreement in May 2023 solidified our role in regional aviation governance. 

The Office has been established in Nadi, with the ICAO Pacific Small Island Developing States Officer taking up residence in Nadi in October of 2023.

Our advocacy for sustainable aviation practices was underscored by my chairmanship of the third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels in Dubai, culminating in a landmark commitment to reduce carbon emissions in international civil aviation by 5 percent by 2030 towards Net Zero by 2050.

Mr. Speaker Sir, 
In terms of tourism investment leads, we are looking at 42 projects valued at $3 billion. This will bring in 4,824 rooms. 
 
There are about 1,627 rooms in the construction stage and a few hundred within the next few years. There are 9 tourism project developments planned for 2024, 3 in 2025, and 4 in 2026.
 
We are working with big brands, such as One & Only Resorts, and seeing local investors, such as Punja’s Group, expand into the sector. 

Mr Speaker Sir, 
The medium-term growth outlook is expected to return to the prepandemic trend and average around 3.0 percent. 
 
The loss of labour could negatively impact productivity, while constraints in hotel capacity and high prices could weigh on the growth of tourism in the near future. 

Mr. Speaker Sir, as shared by His Excellency and the Assistant Minister, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu, we will soon be launching the National Sustainable Tourism Framework (NSTF) 2024–2034 as a blueprint for the next 10 years. 
 
The Framework lays out a clear policy direction, consisting of a high-level framework accompanied by an initial three-year Action Plan (2024–2027). 
 
One of its priorities is to create a competitive destination with diverse experiences. This includes actions such as prioritizing infrastructure and connectivity to less visited tourism regions.
 
We will also focus on expanding product and experience training, mentoring support for start-ups, business development training, peer-topeer mentoring and advisory services. 
 
Target niche and experiential growth segments such as luxury, health, wellness, and medical tourism; meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE); sports tourism; educational tourism; film productions; and experiential and immersive tourism.
 
Essentially, our focus is not only on diversifying the economy but also on diversifying the tourism sector itself to be able to sustain ourselves. 

Our new brand platform, ‘Where Happiness Comes Naturally', and the associated global launch campaign have continued to resonate and perform strongly. 
 
Fiji’s media placements continue to drive impact with our recent billboards in New York’s Times Square. 
 
I am also pleased to share that Tourism Fiji’s social media following is now over one million. 
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, 
Over the last year, we have elevated the Fijian brand by hosting major events. 
 
1. First Spartan Fiji - brought a total of 25 countries with over 3,370 attendees, contributing FJ$6 million to the economy and FJ$2.6 million in media value. 
2. The first NRL-sanctioned rugby league match delivered a $6.15 million boost to Fiji's economy. 
3. The World Surf League Fiji Pro returns to Fiji after three years. 
 
In the spirit of inclusive dialogue, last year we hosted the Fiji Tourism Convention and envisaged this as an annual event. 
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, 
The tourism and civil aviation sectors play a pivotal role in Fiji’s economy. The government is committed to fostering growth, enhancing connectivity, and ensuring sustainable practices in these sectors.  

The President’s address has provided us with a roadmap for building a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for Fiji and its people. 
 
For us in Education, Tourism and Civil Aviation, we heed his call to action and work together, across political divides and national boundaries, to realize this vision for our nation and for the world.
 
Thank you, Mr Speaker, and may the God Almighty bless our beloved nation.