The Honourable Prime Minister;
Honourable Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers;
The Honourable Leader of Opposition; and
Honourable Members of Parliament.

I rise in this August House to lend my support to the motion by the Hon. Prime Minister to thank His Excellency the President for his most gracious speech during the opening of the 2024 Parliamentary year on Monday 4th February 2024.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, His Excellency’s reminder about our responsibilities as elected representatives within a democratic framework is timely. It is a challenge to us all; the members of this August House, as well as all of us who call Fiji, home; that we all grasp the paramount importance of the duty assigned to us in terms of upholding the principles of democracy and humanity with unwavering determination and resolve. By embracing inclusivity and unity, we can truly fulfil the aspirations of our people and we can then begin to build a better future for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in December of last year, the Coalition Government marked its one year in office. I can admit that the initial 12 months presented significant challenges for the Coalition Government. However, under the steadfast and decisive leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister and the able assistance of our Deputy Prime Ministers, I am pleased to acknowledge the substantial progress we have achieved together as a nation.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, while we have slowly progressed as a nation in the past 14 months, I am deeply dismayed that some of us have, sadly, found it necessary to use the tactics of division and disunity, employing disinformation for political mileage. Regrettably, some elected representatives have even resorted to lies and propaganda to mislead the general public. I hope that we can all take heed of His Excellency’s most gracious advice and rise above such pettiness; to reach across the political divide in bipartisan cooperation so that we can work together in the noble cause of nation building.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, coming into Government came with its challenges; there were a lot of expectations to deliver. However, on the back of a post CORVID-19 economy and inheriting extremely high debt levels, it was an uphill battle for the Coalition Government. While we acknowledge that meeting every expectation within the first year of office would not have been feasible for any government, I would like to reassure the general public, particularly those in our rural and maritime communities, of our unwavering commitment to their well-being.

We remain resolute in our dedication to our people.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is crucial for the general public to understand that the People’s Coalition Government remains diligently committed and we are, all of us, working very hard to ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous Fiji for all. Despite the increase in VAT from 9% to 15% on specific goods and services in the last year, we are pleased to observe a decline in the inflation rate from 5.1 per cent at the end of last year to 3.6 per cent in January 2024. This indicates that the rate of the increase in prices has slowed compared to December last year. We also made sure that we kept the zero rate on 21 basic food items and added prescribed medicines.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I appreciate the insightful overview of our economy's trajectory and the projections shared by His Excellency the President regarding our anticipated growth rates for the upcoming years. While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, it is incumbent upon us to adopt a nuanced approach that integrates fiscal prudence with strategic investments aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. I am confident that with prudent fiscal management, strategic investments, and collective resolve, we can steer through these uncertain times and emerge stronger and more resilient as a nation.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I acknowledge the hard work and effort put in by the Ministry of Finance through the Strategic Planning Office in the formulation of Fiji’s new National Development Plan. The NDP will provide a visionary roadmap for an inclusive integrated effort towards nation building. I note with appreciation the multiple consultations that are currently underway to ensure that the voices of diverse stakeholders, including communities, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and development partners, are heard and integrated into the planning process. This inclusivity fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility towards national development goals, promoting social cohesion and resilience.

Mr. Speaker Sir, it is imperative that any Government agency also re-strategises and aligns its course to the new dynamics in anticipation of the National Development Plan that will be launched soon. It is with this regard that my Ministry is also reviewing its 10 Year Strategic Plan 2021-2031.

Given our role in the rural and maritime areas, we are also mindful of the upcoming review of the ‘iTaukei Administration, the re-establishment of the Great Council of Chiefs and the various statutes that govern the modus operandi of ‘iTaukei communities not forgetting other Fijian rural communities which comprise the majority of the population that my Ministry serves.

Mr. Speaker Sir, significant achievements have been reached in the last two years of implementing our Strategic Development Plan. The 5 Strategic Priority Areas outlined in this plan focused on supporting our vision of sustainable and inclusive development for productive and resilient rural communities in Fiji. These broad strategic focus areas reflect the major development priorities and needs of our rural and maritime communities. These development priorities are expected to remain with minimal revision but with the inclusion of the coalition government’s vision and priorities.

Mr. Speaker Sir, the framing of the 4 core roles of the ministry in itself strategically reaffirms and empowers the Ministry’s staff to live up to what the role describes them to be.

The 4 core roles are:
(i) Rural Development facilitator and Coordinator;
(ii) Relationship Manager;
(iii) Knowledge Broker; and
(iv) Risk Reduction, Response and Recovery Coordinator.

Mr. Speaker Sir, please allow me to provide some remarks in response to Climate Change and Disaster Management.

Mr. Speaker Sir, Fiji is ranked as the 12th most hazardous country in the world by World Risk Index on the basis of high exposure to natural hazards and relatively low coping capacity. In this current cyclone season, we have been fortunate not to experience the impact of a major cyclone.

However, we have observed that low depressions bring substantial rainfall leading to flooding and landslides.

It's crucial to acknowledge that we are not exempt from any disaster, as the potential impact on our community and economy remains significant.

Mr. Speaker Sir, echoing the sentiments expressed by His Excellency in his most gracious address, the Government maintains its unwavering commitment to enact robust policies that effectively address the compounding challenges arising from climate change and disasters, particularly impacting our vulnerable communities. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) underscores Fiji's significant exposure, estimating a seventy per cent (70%) likelihood of experiencing impactful disasters related to natural hazards annually. Research indicates that cyclones and floods could result in average annual losses equivalent to 5.8% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Government of Fiji, 2017b, pp. 50–55). These statistics underscore the urgency of the upcoming New Disaster Bill, earmarked to be tabled in Parliament later this year.

Mr. Speaker Sir, the Bill is an important milestone for all Fijians and partners, incorporating valuable lessons from past disasters to ensure a legal framework that is adaptive and responsive to the evolving nature of such crises. This August House might be interested to know that the Honorable Prime Minister was also the Prime Minister in 1998 when the current NDM Bill was last passed.

The proposed Bill, Mr. Speaker Sir, is in alignment with international best practices and standards for disaster risk reduction and management. It ensures that Fiji's approach harmonizes with global strategies. A notable demonstration of this alignment occurred during the inaugural national simulation exercise conducted last year as part of our National Disaster Awareness Week (NDAW 23). The event brought together 13 Pacific Island Countries and key partners, fostering collaboration to strategize and test capabilities. NDAW 2023 witnessed the NDMO testing the national and sub national coordination mechanisms in response to varying scenarios such as tsunamis, earthquakes, oil spills, and marine search and rescue.

This inclusive and comprehensive approach, integral to the new Bill, reflects its robust, forward-looking, and visionary nature, positioning Fiji to effectively navigate and mitigate the effects of disasters if and when they happen.

Mr. Speaker, with over seventy per cent (70%) of our population residing within 5km of the coastline, the vulnerability to climate and disaster risks is undeniable. According to the Pacific Risk Profile for Fiji, from 2011 to 2020, the Government has responded to nine major cyclones, impacting 854,449 people (or 95 per cent of the population) and causing total damages amounting to US $771.52 million.

Mr. Speaker Sir, given this high level of exposure, the Government remains committed to advancing its social protection programs. This commitment involves augmenting these programs with coverage designed to address the impacts of climate and disaster shocks. One significant initiative in this regard is the establishment of Fiji's Anticipatory Action Framework, the first of its kind in the Pacific.

Developed in collaboration with UNOCHA and other UN Partners, this framework allocates USD 2.3 million of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for preparedness activities. It adopts a 'no regret' position in releasing funds to affected members of the population once various triggers are met, aiming to provide timely assistance to forecasted areas prior to disaster impact.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the unrelenting threats of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, especially for small island developing states such as Fiji. We know that inhabitants of small island states are 15 times more likely to die from climate disasters . Small island developing states are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and changing rainfall patterns. These impacts can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and pose significant challenges to sustainable development.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the relocation of Nabavatu Village is a clear indication of the escalating impacts of climate change on our vulnerable population. We express appreciation for the recent approval by Cabinet to proceed with the relocation of this village and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the transition from their current tent village which they have been living in since 2021, to their new Cat 5 certified homes. Mr. Speaker Sir, this project is one of the many that the Government will have to undertake in years to come. His Excellency has already stated that an additional 44 communities out there to be looked into. There is no guarantee that the number will remain and the chance of it increasing is high as the rate of impact of climate change on our vulnerable Fiji.

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the Fijian economy, especially on Fiji's tourism sector. We are encouraged by the news that visitor arrivals have exceeded pre-COVID levels and they continue to be strong. Given that tourism plays a pivotal role in our economy, we must collaborate with relevant stakeholders to guarantee a safe, welcoming, and secure environment for our visitors to enjoy their holidays.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, 44 per cent of Fiji’s population resides in rural areas. While these areas may be regarded as resource-rich, high poverty rates, and rural-urban drift persist in these areas. To help address this disparity,

I am pleased to inform this August House that the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development is currently working on initiatives that will empower our rural communities and enhance their ability to turn their God-given resources to generate and accelerate wealth.

Mr. Speaker Sir, in support of His Excellency’s statement about providing access to financial literacy, the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management through our Self-Help Programme (SHP) and Rural and Outer Island Development Programme (ROI) will significantly contribute towards this effort. The Ministry provides support to income-generating projects and this year is going to engage with organisations through Public-Private Partnerships that will provide the necessary expertise for improving financial literacy in the rural and maritime areas.

The Ministry acknowledges that changing mindsets and introducing a savings culture in rural communities cannot happen overnight. It will require good governance, commitment, and passion on the part of the people as well as effective coordination and cooperation between government agencies, the private sector, and our religious organisation.

We are encouraging and supporting the establishment of more co-operatives so that the idea of ‘solesolevaki’ is maintained and enhanced. This is the strength of our rural people and we need to maximise those strengths with more income-generating activities and nurture them to become self-reliant and move away from the dependency culture that was common practice in the last 10 years.

Whilst financial literacy is crucial, ensuring that there is market access for these small businesses is equally important. Our Ministry is doing its best through our existing programmes to ensure that the supply and value chain for any type of business supported is monitored closely to ensure market access and maximum benefits for our clients.

The Ministry has already been engaging with local, regional and international partners to provide support in this area. Apart from engaging with Government agencies, we are also exploring opportunities available with regional organisations. Our engagement with the People’s Republic of Korea for piloting of Saemaul Undong and Saemaul Geumgo initiatives are examples of initiatives that the Ministry is implementing as tools for economic empowerment and growth.

The Saemaul Geumgo (SMG) is a development initiative that will promote the financial cooperative concept among our rural and maritime communities. Under the programme, our rural and maritime dwellers will be trained on financial literacy, savings culture, community leadership, and income generation projects. Promoting financial literacy not only enhances individual well-being, but also fosters economic resilience, and contributes to sustainable development in communities and societies, especially in our rural and maritime areas. This Saemaul Geumgo (SMG) initiative or a modified version of it, using our own Solesolevaki principles, will be piloted in rural communities and later on, embedded into the existing ROI programme due to its successful contribution towards rural development in South Korea and in other developing countries of the world.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I applaud the decision of the Coalition Government to institute a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This initiative is not only timely but also essential as we endeavour to advance collectively as a nation. It is my firm belief that to move forward together, we must first address and reconcile the wounds of the past.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the sugar industry was once a stronghold of the Fiji economy. The initiatives planned to revitalise this vital industry are indeed promising. The targeted increase in cane production to 1.8 million tonnes for the upcoming season demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing productivity and securing the industry's sustainability. The emphasis on supporting diversification within the sector through alternative livelihood programmes is also a strategic step towards mitigating the impact of world market price fluctuations on farmers' incomes. By fostering resilience and adaptability, these initiatives pave the way for a more robust and prosperous future for the sugar industry and its stakeholders.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Ministry’s ROI programme is also targeted at assisting subsistence farmers in our rural and maritime communities who have the potential to contribute to economic growth. This is the first year of implementation and we are committed to not only support but enhance productivity through the provision of machinery and equipment as well as facilitating discussions for market access.

Mr. Speaker Sir, the Ministry’s programme of Community Access Road, Footpaths, and Footbridges (CARFF) is an enabler for ease of access to transportation and markets. In addition to this, the Ministry is also administering the Seafaring Entrepreneurship Assistance Programme to provide subsidies for purchasing boats and engines that are used for transportation as well as for fishing businesses. The Ministry also contributes to addressing health issues through its Rural High-Risk Water and Sanitation Programme. This is a programme that enables access to clean and safe drinking water and better sanitation facilities for rural and maritime communities. Recently, there has been assistance provided to schools through the construction of Ecological Purification Systems (EPS) for access to clean drinking water and the construction of ablution blocks.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I am delighted to be part of a Government that is people-focused on uplifting living standards and at the same time working with the people to transform the way they think and empower them to be resilient and productive.

Finally, Mr Speaker Sir, as part of our outreach, the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, has consistently and constantly challenged our rural dwelling citizens to cooperate with members of our staff in preparing their community development plans and disaster management plans for their communities, whether it be villages or settlements, and organizing themselves to address challenges when they arise. This is how our people had always operated in the past.

We intend to challenge all our rural communities to reignite that passion for initiative in self improvement both in individual homes and in their villages and settlements and not to wait for or depend only on government for their development.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as we embark on another parliamentary year, I urge my colleagues in this August House to reaffirm our commitment to the fundamental purpose of our roles: which is to serve, rather than to be served. We must remain firm in our dedication to listening to the concerns of our people and using our platform to address their plights effectively. We cannot afford to remain passive observers while our people endure hardships. Accountability to the people must be the guiding principle in all our endeavors. Let us go out, engage with our communities, and work to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs met. Let us embrace our responsibility to serve with integrity, compassion, and diligence as we continue to strive to build a brighter and more prosperous Fiji for all.

With that, I commend and fully support His Excellency’s most gracious speech.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir!