‘One of the best budgets’

Listen to this article:

‘One of the best budgets’

THE increased allocation in the 2016-2017 National Budget for the empowerment of persons living with disabilities has been commended by the Fiji Spinal Injury Association (FSIA).

The association’s executive director, Joshko Wakaniyasi, thanked Government for its commitment to make rights a reality for persons living with disabilities.

“In totality, we see this is one of the best budgets. The remarkable initiative announced, such as the 300 per cent tax incentive, will encourage potential employers to provide employment for disabled persons.

“We are sincerely grateful to Government for enabling us to voice our views.

“For the first time we had the opportunity to participate in the budget consultation.

“For the first time we are being heard, for the first time our consultation is taken into recognition and for that we are thankful to the Government,” Mr Wakaniyasi said.

“We would like to sincerely thank the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, for reaching out to us through budget consultations, to speak to us directly and the positive outcomes of our collaboration is seen through the new budget.”

As a strong advocate for disability rights in Fiji, Mr Wakaniyasi called on persons living with disabilities to fully utilise the new opportunities created by the Government.

“Apart from the tax incentives, the budget provides for a consolidated effort within all the ministries, such as Ministry of Health, Ministry of Infrastructure, to ensure services for easy accessibility for those living with disabilities.

“Now we have to play our part as well. The onus is also on persons living with disabilities to maximise the opportunities provided,” Mr Wakaniyasi said.

“The Disability Bill that is before Parliament will further enhance opportunities for persons living with disabilities to play a more proactive role in national development. For the first time, it has included a sign-language interpreter for the hearing-impaired for those watching via television.”

Array
(
    [post_type] => post
    [post_status] => publish
    [orderby] => date
    [order] => DESC
    [update_post_term_cache] => 
    [update_post_meta_cache] => 
    [cache_results] => 
    [category__in] => 1
    [posts_per_page] => 4
    [offset] => 0
    [no_found_rows] => 1
    [date_query] => Array
        (
            [0] => Array
                (
                    [after] => Array
                        (
                            [year] => 2023
                            [month] => 12
                            [day] => 28
                        )

                    [inclusive] => 1
                )

        )

)

No Posts found for specific category