In the latest edition of The Fiji Times for March 24, three key stories take center stage.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed concerns regarding the amendment of the 2013 Constitution, insisting that it does not align with an iTaukei nationalist agenda. He emphasized his government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of all ethnic groups in Fiji.
Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua articulated that a nation’s real strength is not in its military might but in the treatment and care it provides to its people.
Additionally, troubling news has emerged as a police officer in Lautoka is under investigation for alleged physical and sexual harassment of a teenage boy, highlighting significant concerns surrounding safety and conduct within the police force.
A positive development is also noted in the sugar industry, which has shown signs of revitalization. The Fiji Sugar Corporation, in collaboration with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), has transformed a previously abandoned sugar cane farm in Wainikoro into a thriving agricultural hub. FSC’s CEO Bhan Singh remarked on the potential for reclaiming idle farmland to bolster economic growth and enhance food security. The focus on sustainable practices aims to motivate farmers and reinvigorate the industry, which has faced significant challenges such as an aging workforce and dwindling interest from younger generations.
Sugar Cane Growers Fund CEO Raj Sharma emphasized the necessity for political will and collaboration to tackle the industry’s pressing issues, including the challenges of production costs and farmer retention. He highlighted the intrinsic advantages of the industry, particularly the lack of market hunting, as farmers can sell their harvest directly to FSC.
Wainikoro stands as a beacon of hope for reinvigorating the sugar sector, suggesting that with continued efforts and stakeholder engagement, the industry can thrive. The article underscores the importance of fostering an innovative and collaborative environment to overcome the hurdles that have historically plagued the sugar industry in Fiji.
This illustrates a hopeful narrative where, through strategic engagement and infrastructure investment, Fiji’s sugar industry could once again become a cornerstone of its economy, providing livelihoods for many while contributing to food security and sustainability.
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