Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama stresses that the government boarding school policy to assist students from the rural and maritime areas is not a threat to the Itaukei as claimed by Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa.
While speaking in a press conference, Bainimarama said the policy is to assist the students who have missed out on opportunities because children from urban schools are taking up the boarding school places.
He said Ro Teimumu’s comments are misleading.
Bainimarama said the policy is determined purely on the basis of need and applies to all government boarding schools which include Adi Cakobau School, Labasa College, Queen Victoria School, Ratu Kadavulevu School and Natabua High.
In a statement, Ro Teimumu had cautioned the Education Minister Mahendra Reddy to tread carefully when dealing with matters relating to the Itaukei community in Fiji.
She also said in her statement that she puts everyone in Fiji on notice that SODELPA will resist such decisions from now on.
The Prime Minister stresses that the new policy is to assist the disadvantaged Itaukei students.
Bainimarama said the FijiFirst government stands for equality, justice and fairness.
He said the government makes no apology for giving rural and maritime students the same opportunities as those from urban families to gain a proper education.
