“Fiji’s Economic Promise: Who Really Benefits?”

Opposition MP Premila Kumar has sharply criticized the Government’s economic strategies, claiming they cater primarily to a privileged minority. During a parliamentary speech, Kumar highlighted the rising cost of living in Fiji, stating that everyday necessities are becoming unattainable luxuries for many residents.

She outlined the tough choices families face, forced to decide between essential items such as medication and groceries, or between paying rent and electricity bills. Despite the Government’s claims of a robust economy, Kumar questioned who truly benefits from this economic growth. She pointed out that ordinary citizens, including hardworking farmers dealing with escalating input costs, nurses and teachers seeking better opportunities abroad, and small business owners struggling to survive, are not reaping the rewards.

Kumar emphasized that the Government’s economic policies seem to favor multinationals and connected elites while leaving the majority grappling with poverty. She argued that the administration has misplaced its priorities, focusing too much on statistics that do not reflect the real challenges faced by Fijians. Her call to action included lowering the VAT on essential goods to lighten the financial burden on families, supporting small businesses, and creating meaningful job opportunities to retain skilled workers.

Kumar concluded by asserting that true measures of success should be based on the well-being, opportunities, and dignity of the people, not merely on economic indicators. The Opposition claimed that the Government has strayed from its duty to serve all citizens, as the challenges of rising poverty continue to affect many.

This article highlights the pressing economic issues faced by many Fijians, emphasizing the need for governmental policies that genuinely uplift all citizens, not just a select few. The call for concrete actions to improve living standards reflects a growing concern for inclusivity in economic growth. There is hope that as more voices rise to advocate for the underserved, policies will be implemented that are more equitable and beneficial for everyone in society.

In summary, Kumar’s critique of the Government underscores a crucial need for reform that addresses the widening gap between economic growth and the lived realities of ordinary Fijians.