GOVERNMENT remains committed to supporting development assistance for the Melanesian and vasu i-Taukei communities within Fiji.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama rendered this while opening the Solomon Islands Independence Day celebration at Marata Village in Wailoku yesterday.
About 200 villagers from the five villages of Waitebala, Koio,Vataleka and those from other settlements in the Central Division welcomed Commodore Bainimarama and other senior government officials.
Commodore Bainimarama said Fiji and the Solomon Islands were two nations that had pride in their island heritage, independence, and right to self-governance.
"As you all know, our long friendship and mutual support has seen Fijian servicemen distinguish themselves during the allied campaign in WWII. More recently, Fijian soldiers and policemen have assisted the Solomon Islands as part of RAMSI. Both countries are founding members of the Melanesian SpearHead group," he said.
"My government has been working to ensure that all Fijians are treated equally and with dignity," Commodore Bainimarama said.
This year the vasu-i-Taukei fund was allocated $100,000 in the annual budget specifically for development assistance.
"As we work towards building a better Fiji for all, my government is very appreciative of the Solomon Islands' support of and commitment to the reforms that are underway in Fiji."
He also promised to look into the affairs of Solomon Island descendants in Fiji.
Their political status did not allow them to qualify for higher education available through the Fijians Affairs Scholarship.
Those much needed developments have also had an impact on the current generation as most still have casual jobs.