Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, reported that he made a single international trip from April 2023 to April 2024, which cost the Fijian government $50,938.19. His trip was to the 2024 UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he participated in essential discussions related to the Fiji Blue Economy and the Green Village Community Development Project. This project, backed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is a $25 million initiative aimed at enhancing the livelihoods and market access for approximately 3,000 households across various communities in Cakaudrove province.
Mr. Tubuna elaborated that the Fiji Blue Economy initiative emphasized green productivity, climate resilience, and development tailored to market needs, with plans for its implementation expected before the year’s end. He expressed his openness to public scrutiny, asserting that discussions about government expenditures should encompass comprehensive facts rather than selective information.
This revelation aligns with a broader context of government travel expenditures, which have become a topic of discussion among citizens and lawmakers. For instance, another recent report highlighted that numerous Fijian government officials undertook 147 official trips between April 2024 and April 2025, costing taxpayers nearly $1.9 million. Notably, these trips are scrutinized amid prevailing economic challenges within the country.
The government’s investment in travel is often viewed as crucial for fostering international partnerships that can ultimately yield developmental benefits for Fiji. Tubuna’s project, aimed at bolstering local communities, reflects a positive approach towards sustainable development, potentially improving the economic landscape for many Fijians.
Overall, the proactive engagement in international forums and development initiatives signifies hope for deeper collaborations and committed efforts to elevate community welfare and resilience in the face of global challenges.
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