The Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, has emphasized the need for the iTaukei community, which constitutes a significant portion of Fiji’s poor population, to take proactive steps towards escaping poverty. According to Vasu, there is a perception of poverty in the iTaukei community which he claims is largely a choice made by individuals. “They want to be poor,” he stated, calling for self-reflection and initiative among those living below the poverty line.
Data from the iTaukei Trust Fund Board reveals that around 70 percent of Fijians living under the poverty line are iTaukei, with numerous individuals failing to utilize existing resources or engage with government agencies for development support. Vasu reiterated the role of initiatives like the recently launched Vuda Strategic Development Plan, which aims to empower iTaukei people to develop their resources effectively. This plan is part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering business plans that can help the iTaukei community utilize their land and natural resources.
Vasu’s announcement of the Tikina o Vuda Strategic Development Plan, along with related initiatives like the Tikina o Vuda Business Plan and the Tokatoka Sawaieke Business Plan, marks a significant step toward addressing poverty in these communities. These documents serve as frameworks to guide iTaukei landowners in implementing sustainable business strategies, ultimately aiming to change their economic circumstances.
Additionally, this message resonates with prior discussions surrounding the iTaukei populace, notably highlighted by Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs, Pita Tagicakirewa, who noted that 193,000 iTaukei individuals live in extreme poverty. His statements reinforced Vasu’s calls for self-empowerment through entrepreneurship complemented by governmental assistance, essential for breaking the cycle of poverty.
By embracing these developmental strategies and moving towards collective action, there is a hopeful outlook for the iTaukei communities. Collaborative efforts between government bodies, organizations, and the community are pivotal in nurturing a culture of self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial spirit that can lead to long-lasting economic improvement.
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