Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad emphasized that citizens are feeling more liberated and willing to communicate with the government, officials, and ministries. He made these remarks during a meeting with farmers and residents from Viria, Muaniweni, Ilahabad, Urcalia, and Vatoa Street, alongside his Ministry of Finance team and representatives from the Fiji Police Force and other relevant ministries.
“I believe we have alleviated the fears of the people. They are much more free now,” Professor Prasad stated. The local residents and farmers expressed their gratitude for the government’s ongoing support, which includes new initiatives like back-to-school assistance.
During the meeting, attendees raised several concerns, including access to clean drinking water, rural road conditions, drainage issues, farm theft, stray animals, agricultural extension services, medical facilities, and the growing issue of illicit drugs impacting their communities.
Professor Prasad noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has received a significant budget aimed at assisting not only sugarcane farmers but agriculture as a whole. “Subsidies for herbicides and pesticides are now available,” he assured them.
He reiterated the Coalition Government’s commitment to addressing these issues promptly, also highlighting the serious drug problem in Fiji, which has led to an increase in arrests. “We need to protect our schools, our children, villages, and settlements,” he asserted.
Moreover, Professor Prasad mentioned that they are implementing measures to bolster the capabilities of the Police Force. He also addressed the state of health services, stating, “Health centers across the country were deteriorating. While we haven’t managed to fix everything yet, progress is being made.”
Finally, he affirmed that the Coalition Government would continue to hold regular meetings to promote an inclusive approach that involves all community levels in decision-making processes and in resolving key issues related to community and national development.