HON. JOVESA VOCEA'S SPEECH AT THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY

17/10/2024


·  I Sayake na Turaga na Tai sayake
·  Vusu na Turaga na Tai Vusu
· Community Leaders
· Senior Government Officials
· Senior Representatives of Non-Government Organizations
· Ladies and Gentlemen, youths and our beloved children
 
Cola Vina and a very good morning to you All.
 
Today, we gather to mark the 32nd anniversary of the commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
 
It is a privilege to be here this morning to officiate at the opening of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty here in Galoa Village.
 
This day is commemorated every year to acknowledge the efforts and struggles of those living in Poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard and a moment to recognise that poor people are at the forefront of the fight against poverty.  
 
The theme for this year’s event is “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment, Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies”
 
This theme sums up Government’s commitment to achieve peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
 
The Fijian Government has recently launched the Fiji National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, founded with the vision of “Empowering the People of Fiji through Unity”. The Fiji National Development Plan will be Fiji’s guiding document in prioritising the needs of all Fijians.
 
Over the years, the Government has been investing millions back into the Fijian people to ensure that we do not fall into the clutches of Poverty.
 
The Fijian Government has shown its commitment to prioritising the needs of our vulnerable community members, which is evident from the Poverty Alleviation Programmes implemented by the Government.
 
More recently, we have seen an increase in our monthly Social Protection allowances, which has impacted the lives of our most vulnerable groups, we have seen an improvement in accessing essential services such as Health and Education, and individuals and small business owners are encouraged to engage in various income generating initiatives through farming, fisheries and which contribute to their household income whilst improving accessibility to rural communities through upgrading community access roads.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, in the last two financial years alone, the Government has invested $39 million in the province of Serua, with $30 million focusing on our infrastructure sector in the Tikina of Nuku and Batiwai.
 
The Fijian Government, through the Integrated Rural Development Framework, has set in place major development priorities for the Province of Serua, which will focus on the following:
i. The Access Road to Sabata and Masi in Nuku District;
ii. Implementation of a new Bridge along the Nabukelevu Road;
iii. Rural Electrification in Nuku District, especially grid extension from Namosi and solar installations in remote communities;
iv. Pursuit of Rural Water Schemes expansion, including water purification programmes and strengthening of the Water Committees in each Community;
v. Dredging of major rivers for Navua; Deuba; Korovisilou; Yarawa; Vunaniu;
vi. Coastal and Riverbank Protection for Vunaniu; Serua Island; Galoa;
vii. Mahogany Harvesting in Naboutini and Galoa Forest Stations under Fiji Hardwood Corporation Ltd. This initiative will cover 1.4million cubic meters of logs, bringing this estimated value to $135million worth of standing logs;
viii. Relocation of Korovisilou Health Center;
ix. Support for agricultural-based Clusters with machines and technical support. A recent example is the Vunibau and Deuba Cooperatives;
x. Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives – CBDRM Training at Community, Tikina and Provincial levels; Tsunami & Flood Early Warning Systems;
xi. Nakavika Dam Upgrade for expansion in WAF grid in Navua corridor. This project will cost approximately $13million;
xii. Support for Private Sector Development – Commercial Farms and Land Subdivisions [Grace Road; Mataqali Tacini; Housing Authority]; and
xiii. Rural road maintenance, especially those neglected by FRA in the recent past.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, these are the types of investments we believe will bridge the gap between those living in rural and urban communities.
 
Reflecting on this year’s theme, I cannot forget to highlight the alarming cases of drug abuse in Fiji and, in particular, in the province of Serua. Drugs continue to be a deterring factor of development in our society, and this affects our young boys and girls. Statistics reveal that in the last two years, there were 2 cases of Unlawful possession of illicit drugs and 1 case of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs in the province of Serua.
 
We need to be vigilant and strengthen our awareness of the impact of drugs, as this will lead to increasing social issues such as the increase in crime, domestic violence, rape and the spread of HIV and AIDs. The Ministry of Health is taking the lead in combatting health-related issues in our province, in particular, HIV, as according to our data, there are a total of 11 active reported cases in our province.  
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is not a journey the people of Serua can undertake alone. We must engage in open dialogue, learn from best practices, and share our own experiences to foster a collective movement towards poverty eradication. Our spirit of working together should unite us in ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment and acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
 
As we commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us remember that our actions today will determine the course of our future.
 
Present today are representatives from State and Non-state actors who will be showcasing their services, and I urge you all to please make use of the two days to access such services.
 
Together, let us forge a path towards peaceful and inclusive societies and break free from the cycle of poverty.
 
With those few words, I now declare the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and the REACH Event open.