FIJI’s increasing food bill is a sign that Government’s “Green Economy” concept is a failure says Opposition MP Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he said the failure was further marked by increasing imports, a consumption-driven economy and the changing demographic dynamics where the majority of the population had become urban dwellers.
Ratu Atonio said farmers were totally demoralised when Government dismantled democratic institutions and structures which gave farmers a voice in the agricultural sector.
He added that the situation for Fiji’s workers was bleak because of the increasing cost of living, low wages and suppression of their rights.
“In June, Fiji was given an International Labour Organization (ILO) ultimatum which expires this month to undertake necessary labour reforms or face trade sanctions and being relisted on the ILO governing body’s agenda,” he said.
“Addressing the concerns of the business community, the ‘Ease of doing Business in Fiji’ rating has plummeted under this Government primarily because of good governance and transparency concerns.
“Investors will not gain confidence where there is little consultation or warning when laws and regulations change abruptly –– these are basic good governance concerns because this Government is too secretive. FijiFirst party is always trying to win by ambush and surprise rather than working with the people.”
Speaking on the civil service reforms, Ratu Atonio said FijiFirst party was trying its best to break public service trade unions.
He said this was in breach of ILO conventions collective bargaining conventions.
