Students with debts will be forgiven when the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) comes into power, says party leader Viliame Gavoka.
He said this during the debate on the ‘Review of the Fiji Higher Education Commission August 2016 – July 2017 Annual Report’ in Parliament yesterday.
Mr Gavoka said studies had shown that the burden of student debt was “never borne equally”.
“Forgiveness of debts would bring much-needed relief to many, especially because many people may also be struggling with the lost income, food and housing, insecurity, and a disruption in education due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession,” he said.
“Forgiveness of students’ debts will advance gender and racial equity.”
Mr Gavoka said it was also good for the economy.
“Canceling student debt would also have a powerful stimulus effect on the economy, which will be critical as we look to build a sustainable economic recovery.
“Forgiveness of students’ debt is targeted and would benefit those who need it most.”
Mr Gavoka said student loans in the United States have exceeded $1 trillion and President Biden was introducing policies to forgive these loans.
“The last we read that the TELS loan is about $571 million and we should stop it now. You let it go, it can be done right.
“The youths of this country will know that SODELPA will forgive the debts.”
