Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has strongly advocated for the economic empowerment of the iTaukei people, dismissing the stereotype that Indigenous Fijians are “resources-rich but poor.” During his response to the national budget in Parliament, Rabuka emphasized the need for the iTaukei community to adopt more strategic economic thinking and to utilize their substantial existing wealth more effectively.
According to recent data from the iTaukei Land Trust Board, the iTaukei community garners over $1 billion annually through remittances, leases, royalties, and wages. However, a concerning statistic reveals that only 5% of this income is allocated towards savings and investment. Rabuka stated, “This is not a crisis of poverty; it is a challenge of priority.” He underscored the importance of long-term thinking to achieve prosperity, urging policy changes that will enhance financial literacy, provide inclusive investment opportunities, and promote sustainable development for Indigenous Fijians.
The Prime Minister praised the efforts of institutions like the Fiji Indigenous Business Council and the iTaukei Land Trust Board for their work to elevate the economic position of the iTaukei people. By fostering an environment conducive to financial empowerment and investment, Rabuka aims to contribute to a vision of a peaceful and prosperous Pacific.
This call for unity and strategic action aligns with ongoing discussions about the low participation of iTaukei in business ownership, where fewer than five percent of businesses in Fiji are led by Indigenous individuals, as highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad. He has pointed to historical barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to finance as critical challenges that need to be addressed.
On a related note, Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, has also called for a cultural shift to encourage entrepreneurship within the community, highlighting that self-empowerment plays a crucial role in overcoming poverty. Initiatives like the Vuda Strategic Development Plan aim to equip iTaukei people with the tools necessary to utilize their resources effectively.
The overall sentiment expressed by Rabuka and other leaders signals a hopeful trajectory towards greater economic independence for the iTaukei community. By leveraging local wealth and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship, there is a promising outlook for transforming economic challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
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