People question PM

Serafina Silaitoga
Wednesday, March 13, 2013

PRIME Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says people in various parts of Fiji have asked him why have an election next year.

Speaking at the opening of the new Bua Nursing Station, Commodore Bainimarama said: "People have been saying to me in various parts of Fiji, 'why have an election at all next year? We're happy with things the way they are'. It's recognition of the hard work the government is putting into service delivery."

"Our program is on track. We know where we're heading and it's towards building a better Fiji for everyone," Commodore Bainimarama said.

He also asked why it had taken so long for Fijians to get the services they deserved.

"In the previous constitutions, for example we had the so-called entrenched provisions such as the Native Lands Trust Act yet there was no tangible progress, no development, no empowerment.

"My government is building a new Fiji based on equality for everyone — a country in which we are all Fijians and our children grow up with the same opportunities.

"We also want them to be healthy. So it's our responsibility to be role models for them by pursuing healthy lifestyles ourselves and encouraging them to follow our example."

Commodore Bainimarama also told the people of Bua that he was in the north to listen to their concerns and to also see the progress being made in the government's program to deliver better services to ordinary Fijians.

"This is our most important task — to not just promise better access to electricity, clean water, roads and government services but provide them.

"Unlike previous governments, we keep our promises. We deliver," he said.