Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has called on the people of Fiji to build a country based on honesty, decency and goodness starting from our homes as we progress towards the 2014 elections.

After delivering a historic budget yesterday, Commodore Bainimarama said it is now time for everyone to play their part.

He also relayed a story about the number of thefts at a hotel by the staff. 

The Prime Minister said such practices need to stop. 


Commodore Bainimarama said with all the budget initiatives in place, people have to ensure that they follow the law. 


He stresses that the government is not anti-poor as he said people can clearly see that a number of initiatives continue to be introduced for low income earners or those living below the poverty line.

He said the initiatives that were never in place before are now being implemented.

13,000 households will receive a maximum assistance of $150 per month including $30 worth of food voucher from next year. 

The coverage of the population living in poverty will increase from 3% to 10% going into next year for which a budget of $22.7 million has been set. 

 
The new initiative which will start from next year will see the elderly over 70 years of age having no source of income receiving a $30 pension from government.

Commodore Bainimarama said it is also crucial to invest in our future.


  
Story by: Vijay Narayan