Former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, is under investigation by the police. The inquiry stems from allegations that she improperly exercised the authority of a FICAC Commissioner on a day when Barbara Malimali, the officially appointed Commissioner, was already serving. Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force, Juki Fong Chew, confirmed that a report regarding Ms. Puleiwai was received yesterday. This story is highlighted on the front page of The Fiji Times for Wednesday, September 18.
In a second feature on the same page, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Prof. Biman Prasad described the newly introduced National Development Plan (NDP) for 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 as “not a pipe dream,” emphasizing that it leverages the inherent strengths of Fijians to achieve new growth opportunities.
Additionally, a concerning report reveals that more than half of Fiji’s population is living in poverty. During the launch of the National Development Plan 2024-2029, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica stated that 258,053 Fijians live below the poverty line, while another 200,000 are facing economic hardships. He indicated that these figures have likely worsened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The revelation about the high levels of poverty is alarming. Addressing the audience at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica advocated for urgent measures to reduce inequality and poverty, noting that over 52% of the population is affected. The latest income survey from the Asian Development Bank, covering 2019-2020, shows that about 29.9% of the population, or 258,053 individuals, exist on less than $86.10 per month. The economic challenges, exacerbated by inflation and the pandemic, highlight a significant disparity.
Rebuilding the nation and empowering citizens becomes increasingly difficult when such a large portion of the population is struggling to meet their basic needs. The government has committed to tackling these issues both in the short and medium term, promoting a shift away from traditional business practices.
The statistics regarding poverty call for immediate attention, and the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 may provide a framework for addressing these urgent challenges. The call to action made by the Deputy Prime Minister emphasizes the necessity of enthusiasm and creativity in bridging the inequality gap and combating poverty.
To achieve the NDP’s ultimate goal of enhancing national prosperity and the welfare of citizens, collective action and commitment are essential. The community must unite to identify and resolve the factors contributing to poverty, underscoring the importance of this initiative and the need for urgent support and implementation.