Serious concerns are being voiced regarding the national response to the health crisis posed by HIV-AIDS and drug use in Fiji. The Fiji Council of Churches has expressed frustration, stating that despite their efforts, the collaboration between the community, churches, and the government has been ineffective. The churches seem to be focused more on their own congregations than addressing these critical social issues. This topic headlines the front page of The Fiji Times for August 21.
Additionally, there is a report about the country’s water challenges. As Fiji anticipates minimal rainfall until the end of October, alarming reports from the Northern Division indicate that some areas are facing critically low water levels, adversely affecting villagers’ water sources. Although the Fiji Meteorological Services does not classify the situation as a drought, locals have reported dried-up water sources and others have complained about foul-smelling water.
Another significant story highlights how two local financial institutions successfully capitalized on the COVID-19 pandemic by purchasing shares in Fiji’s national airline at the heavily discounted rate of $4.22 per share.
This week, the Kaila! edition of The Fiji Times is back, filled with enjoyable activities for the young and the young at heart. The colorful and easy-to-navigate pages are packed with content sure to delight children.
In other news, the ongoing dispute regarding pension cuts imposed in 2012 has gained significant public attention. Many individuals affected by this decision, which drastically altered their financial security, continue to seek justice from the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) for what they believe to be a major injustice. These individuals were faced with unexpected pension losses, leading to uncertainty about their futures.
For the first time in Fiji’s modern history, irrevocable pension contracts were violated. While some individuals opted for lump-sum payments instead of enduring pension reductions, they soon found themselves worried about the sustainability of their finances after the lump sums were depleted. Recent articles in The Fiji Times reflect the pensioners’ perspectives in response to arguments made by an expert associated with the FNPF, who claimed the Fund had acted responsibly.
Many pensioners have lost hope for receiving justice from the FNPF and the previous government, especially after legislation was created to prevent legal action regarding the dispute. However, with the Coalition Government’s emergence, victims have found a new sense of optimism. Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has positively engaged with pensioners’ representatives, and during the Budget session, he announced a plan to restore reduced pensions to their original amounts using public funds.
Despite this progress, the FNPF has yet to address unresolved issues, including twelve years of unpaid pensions and support for those who accepted lump sums. Observers of this pension dilemma are understandably concerned about the treatment of the affected individuals.
It is vital for the FNPF to confront these concerns, as there were undoubtedly reasons behind their previous decisions. Moving forward, it is imperative to initiate discussions and find a consensus on the necessary steps to resolve this situation. The distress experienced by many individuals is evident, particularly as they have lost substantial amounts of their pensions, which were meant to support them throughout their lives. Urgent action is needed, and the FNPF is expected to step up and communicate effectively on this matter.