There is a pressing need to reassure citizens of their fundamental rights and freedoms through tangible actions rather than just rhetoric, particularly as it has taken some time for the public and investors to adapt to the new political environment and embrace this “new-found” freedom.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica made this statement during the launch of the National Development Plan at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. He emphasized that considerable work is still required to ensure the nation genuinely reflects a democratic state, particularly through the review of the Constitution to align it with the people’s will.
Kamikamica noted that the primary goal during the first year in office has been to restore freedom, build confidence, and foster mutual respect among different communities. He addressed the critical state of public finances and the need to reduce national debt as top priorities for the Coalition Government.
“Stabilizing public finance is essential to create the fiscal space required for implementing development policies,” he stated. The government has also taken swift action to provide job security for civil servants by eliminating fixed-term contracts.
In the past two years, the government has focused resources on programs aimed at ensuring citizens have access to basic necessities such as clean drinking water, improved drainage systems, rural road upgrades, and quality healthcare and education. While progress has been made, there are still areas in the country lacking these essential services.
Kamikamica expressed optimism that all citizens, both domestically and abroad, would gain access to these basic needs, emphasizing that these are their human rights.