The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has firmly dismissed allegations that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are overly critical of the government. During an appearance on FBC TV’s Your Voice program, FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga emphasized that the advocacy efforts of NGOs are firmly rooted in official statistics and genuine community experiences.
Catanasiga pointed out that NGOs utilize budget estimates and Auditor-General reports to substantiate their concerns, urging critics to refer to these same documents before questioning the validity of civil society’s role. She highlighted the necessity for taxpayer-funded systems to genuinely serve the community, stating, “Many of the systems that exist right now have their backs to the people. We want the systems we fund to serve us first. That’s not asking for too much, is it?”
Furthermore, she stressed that NGOs are indispensable during crises, often stepping in to assist communities when existing systems falter.
In response, Sakiasi Ditoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, acknowledged the need for improvements in various systems. He emphasized that achieving constructive solutions necessitates collaboration among governmental bodies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and local communities. Ditoka reaffirmed their shared objective of developing inclusive, community-centered systems that prioritize the needs of the people.
This exchange underscores the vital role of NGOs in advocating for community needs and the importance of collaboration between different sectors to ensure effective governance and support for the populace.
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