The government alone should not bear the responsibility of financially sustaining social welfare recipients. This was the statement made by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya in Parliament yesterday.
Ms. Tabuya addressed criticisms regarding the adequacy of social welfare allowances amidst rising living costs. “It is not the sole responsibility of government to financially sustain our social welfare recipients,” she reiterated.
Speaking in iTaukei with passion, she said: “E sega ni tavi ni matanitu me qarava vakatabakidua vakailavo na qase, o ira e ra sega ni tu vinaka na tuvaki ni yagodra, kei na dravudravua.” She emphasized, “Oqo nai tavi ni dua na vuvale. Na matanitu e solia ga na veivuke me vakuria tu nai tavi e dodonu ga me nona eliu e dua na vuvale.” (It is first and foremost the responsibility of the family).
Ms. Tabuya further explained that the government’s role is to supplement this responsibility in acknowledgment of the contributions made by senior citizens, the vulnerable, children, and individuals with physical and mental impairments to Fiji.
“For those who genuinely need more support and are abandoned by their family, assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis,” she concluded.
Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj