There is a pressing need to reevaluate how poverty is assessed in Fiji, according to Adi Finau Tabakaucoro, the president of Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei. In a recent interview, she emphasized that poverty should not merely be viewed through the lens of income but should also consider the basic needs of the people.
Adi Finau pointed out that the Fijian government has implemented over 40 social protection measures, which she believes surpass those available in any other Pacific island nation. She noted that both the current and previous governments have taken steps to support disadvantaged groups, providing various forms of assistance, including social welfare, bus vouchers for the elderly, and resources for seniors living in villages without a regular income.
“This is the Government’s duty, as they have pledged to address these challenges,” Adi Finau stated. She highlighted international examples such as slum conditions in Bangladesh and the Philippines, where residents often lack access to clean water, food sources, and job opportunities, which she identified as true indicators of poverty.
She further argued that the homeless individuals in Fiji often choose their circumstances, preferring the freedom of living on the streets to being dependent on relatives. Adi Finau asserted that adequate public facilities are available to accommodate those in need, demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of citizens.
In terms of health services, she noted that every district and island in the maritime provinces has health centers staffed by at least one practicing nurse, raising the question of whether any other Pacific nation provides similar access.
Ultimately, Adi Finau called on Fijians and their communities to utilize these resources effectively, while stressing that the government retains the responsibility to ensure access to essential services such as water, food, shelter, education, employment, and infrastructure.
This call for a change in poverty measurement offers a hopeful perspective for future discussions on social welfare in Fiji. By looking beyond income and addressing the fundamental needs of citizens, there is potential for a more comprehensive understanding of poverty that can lead to better-targeted policies and improved lives for all Fijians.
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