Simi Racolo - Public Commentary".

People, let ' The truth, let it be told.....'

For us iTaukei people, if we want the leadership of this country to remain in our hands, we should vote for PAP.
If you vote for another party, you will only split the vote and indirectly help the NFP/FLP.

Look at the One Nation Party and People's First—they are essentially on the same side and will likely join together after the election.
We must remember that their victory could lead to the return of the leadership that governed for the past 16 years.

Don't complain after the election if the iTaukei people fail to achieve what they hoped for.
Give your vote to 'PAP 'so it can govern on its own without having to rely on a coalition.

The emergence of so many small political parties seems to be driven by people wanting to make a name for themselves by focusing on only a few issues, even though those issues are already part of the broader work being carried out by the current government.

The economy is just one part of governing. There are many other important areas, such as land, healthcare, international relations, the development of iTaukei businesses, the sunset clause in the Constitution, and many other national priorities that require attention.

To those supporting the smaller parties, it appears that you have chosen a single issue to champion while overlooking the bigger picture.
In doing so, there is a risk of missing the wider range of responsibilities that come with governing a nation.

If your goal is to see these priorities achieved, it may be wiser to unite behind a major party, in this case 'PAP', rather than divide the vote.
By standing together, every vote carries greater strength and purpose.

May our nation continue to move forward in peace, stability, and prosperity.

People, A Response to the Leader of the Opposition – Part 1

The Leader of the Opposition's statement reads more like an election campaign speech than an honest assessment of Fiji's economy. It is easy to point fingers after leaving office, but it is much harder to explain why many of the same problems he now complains about were left unresolved during the sixteen years his own government was in power.

He begins by saying there is a difference between teaching economics and running an economy. That is true.
But there is also a huge difference between criticizing from the Opposition benches and accepting responsibility for sixteen years of decisions that shaped the very economic conditions Fiji faces today.

The Coalition Government has been in office for just over three and a half years. His government had sixteen years.
If debt reduction, fiscal discipline, public sector reform, lowering the cost of living, and strengthening retirement savings were truly priorities, why weren't they achieved during those sixteen years? It is difficult to lecture others on financial management when your own record left a mountain of challenges behind.

He criticizes public debt, yet conveniently ignores that Fiji's debt did not suddenly appear after December 2022.
A significant portion of today's debt was accumulated while his government was in office.
Any fair discussion must acknowledge that reality.
You cannot spend sixteen years building the house and then blame the new owner because the roof needs repairing.

He speaks about rising food prices and fuel costs as though Fiji alone is experiencing them.
The truth is that inflation, higher fuel prices, and increased shipping costs have affected countries across the world. These are global challenges, not problems unique to Fiji. No responsible leader should ignore the international economic realities simply to score political points.

His comments on the sugar industry are perhaps the most surprising. The decline of Fiji's sugar industry did not begin under the Coalition Government.
It has been deteriorating for years, with falling production, fewer farmers, ageing mills, and long-standing structural problems. His government had sixteen years to turn the industry around but failed to do so.
It is therefore difficult to blame a government that inherited an industry already in decline.

The criticism of taxation also deserves perspective.
Every government must balance revenue with expenditure. Essential services such as hospitals, schools, roads, policing, and social assistance cannot be funded without adequate revenue. It is easy to promise lower taxes while in Opposition, but much harder to explain how those same services would be paid for.

On FNPF contributions, he highlights workers' retirement savings but ignores the broader objective of supporting businesses, protecting jobs, and encouraging economic activity during challenging economic conditions.
Governments often have to make difficult decisions that involve balancing competing priorities. Presenting only one side of the story is misleading.
Most importantly, where are the solutions?
Throughout his statement, there is plenty of criticism but very little vision. Fijians deserve more than recycled complaints.
They deserve practical policies that will create jobs, strengthen agriculture, grow exports, attract investment, improve public services, and reduce the cost of living.

As the election draws closer, we should expect more statements like this—designed to create headlines rather than offer solutions. Fijians should ask one simple question:
if these problems are so obvious today, why were they not fixed during the sixteen years the Opposition had the authority, the resources, and the mandate to do so?

The Coalition Government should continue to be held accountable for its decisions. That is how democracy works.
But accountability must apply equally to those who governed for sixteen years. Political memory should not begin in December 2022.

Fiji needs mature leadership, honest debate, and practical solutions—not selective memory or attempts to rewrite history for political gain.
The people deserve facts, accountability from all sides, and leaders who are focused on building the nation's future rather than exploiting its challenges for electoral advantage.

Leader of Opposition: The State of Our Nation – Part 1

1. The Difference Between Teaching Economics and Running an Economy

There is an old saying: “there is a world of difference between theory and practice”. The past three years have reminded us of that reality. Managing a nation's finances is not an academic exercise. It is about making difficult decisions, setting priorities, living within our means and ensuring that every dollar borrowed today does not become an unnecessary burden on future generations.

When the Coalition Government took office, Fijians were promised prudent fiscal management. We were told that sound economic credentials would restore discipline to the nation's finances, reduce debt and put Fiji on a more sustainable fiscal path. To support that objective, Government established the Fiscal Review Committee, which undertook a comprehensive review of Fiji's public finances.

The Committee's recommendations reflected a poor policy framework that prioritised increasing Government revenue through higher taxation. It proposed increasing corporate tax from 20 percent to 25 percent, raising VAT to between 12.5 percent and 15 percent, broadening the revenue base and introducing other measures expected to generate approximately $500 million in additional annual revenue. The underlying premise was that the additional revenue would be accompanied by disciplined expenditure, improved public sector efficiency, better value for money and a clear strategy to reduce Fiji's debt burden over time. Fijians were expected to bear higher tax costs in anticipation of stronger fiscal outcomes.

Despite collecting significantly more revenue from taxpayers, Government expenditure has continued to rise each year. Rather than using increased revenue to slow borrowing and restore fiscal space, public debt has continued its upward trajectory. According to the Government's own Budget documents, total public debt is projected to increase from $11.54 billion at the end of the 2025–2026 financial year to $12.58 billion in 2026–2027.

Today, Fijian families are paying more for many of the basic items they rely on every week. The price of chicken has increased, lamb products have become more expensive, Sugar, once regarded as a staple that Fiji proudly produced, has at times become difficult to find on supermarket shelves.

When fuel prices rise, every family feels the impact. The cost of travelling to work increases. Parents pay more to take their children to school. Families spend more visiting loved ones, attending church, mosque or mandir. Businesses pass higher transport costs onto consumers, pushing up the prices of everyday essentials. Yet despite these pressures, the Government has failed to create sufficient fiscal room to provide meaningful relief.

Today, the Government finds itself boxed in by its own fiscal choices. It cannot realistically return VAT to 9 percent. Why? Because after three years in office, the fiscal space simply does not exist. Despite imposing higher taxes on Fijians and businesses, Government expenditure has continued to grow, debt has continued to rise, and the economy has not generated the level of sustained growth needed to support these commitments. The hard truth is that without stronger economic growth and genuine fiscal discipline, promises of lower taxes and enhanced benefits become increasingly difficult to deliver.

At a time when the cost of living remains high, the Government decided to reduce the employer contribution to the Fiji National Provident Fund by two percent. For thousands of workers, this means less money being invested in their retirement each payday.
The Fund's own Annual Report paints a sobering picture. Of Fiji's 436,860 FNPF members, 194,627 members, almost 45 per cent have retirement savings of $5,000 or less. A further 120,283 members have balances between $5,000 and $20,000. In other words, more than 314,000 members, representing around 72 per cent of all FNPF members, have accumulated savings of less than $20,000. These figures demonstrate that a significant majority of workers are already approaching retirement with little savings. Reducing employer contributions does little to strengthen their long-term financial security.

Government argues that reducing the contribution will lower business costs. But for many workers, the question is simple, if the cost of living remains high today and retirement savings are reduced tomorrow, where is the economic relief? After three years of increased taxation and rising public debt, working families are not better off.

The lesson here is a simple one. Balancing a nation's books requires more than economic theory. It requires the discipline to make difficult spending decisions, the courage to reform inefficient government programmes and the leadership to ensure that today's borrowing creates tomorrow's prosperity rather than tomorrow's burden.

This is the difference between making promises and delivering results. After almost four years in office, Fijians should be seeing a higher standard of living, greater financial security and renewed confidence in the future. Instead, too many families remain worried about whether they can afford today's groceries or retire with dignity.

People, I share the concern raised about the current situation facing Fiji's sugar industry, but I also believe we need to look beyond politics and think about the long-term welfare of our cane farmers and the nation.

Farmers deserve fair returns for their hard work, and no one disputes that they should be properly rewarded.
However, encouraging farmers to delay harvesting at such a critical stage has placed many of them in a difficult position. If the delays lead to lower cane quality, reduced sugar production, labour shortages, or financial losses, it is the farmers themselves who will carry those burdens—not the politicians who encouraged them to wait.

Mr. Mahendra Chaudhry has every right to advocate for farmers, but leadership also comes with responsibility. It is easy to call for higher prices, but if that advice results in missed opportunities, production setbacks, or even the possibility of Fiji importing sugar, will he compensate the farmers for their losses?
Will he shoulder the financial hardship that many families may now face? The reality is that he will not. The farmers will be left to bear the consequences.

Our sugar industry is too important to be used as a political battleground.
It provides livelihoods for thousands of families and plays a vital role in our economy.
Farmers need practical solutions, timely decisions, and responsible leadership—not promises or political strategies that may leave them worse off.

At the end of the day, the greatest responsibility of any leader is to protect the people they claim to represent. I sincerely hope that, going forward, everyone involved places the interests of our cane farmers and the future of Fiji's sugar industry above politics.
Our farmers deserve nothing less.

Mr. Narube, Fiji Needs Your Vision More Than Political Point-Scoring

People, there is no question that Savenaca Narube has every right to question the Government and hold leaders accountable.
That is an important part of any healthy democracy.
However, as the leader of Unity Fiji and a former Governor of the Reserve Bank, many Fijians expect much more from someone with his knowledge, experience, and understanding of our country's challenges.

Rather than spending so much time highlighting the shortcomings of Professor Biman Prasad and other politicians, Mr. Narube should now be focusing his energy on presenting practical solutions that will help grow Fiji's economy, create jobs, strengthen our institutions, and improve the lives of ordinary Fijians.
His experience is far too valuable to be used mainly for political criticism.

Professor Biman Prasad has been in Parliament much longer than Mr. Narube and, like every politician, has made decisions that people may agree or disagree with. But leadership should not be about constantly pointing fingers.
It should be about offering better ideas and a clear alternative.

Many Fijians also remember that Mr. Narube himself contested two general elections but was unable to secure enough public support to enter Parliament.
That democratic outcome should serve as a reminder that winning the confidence of the people requires more than criticism—it requires presenting a compelling vision for the nation's future.

As many have pointed out, there were also difficult periods in Fiji's history when major national issues unfolded, including rising public debt, the sale of state assets, the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, and the treatment of the late Professor Brij Lal. During those times, many questioned why Mr. Narube's public voice was not as strong or consistent.

Fiji faces significant challenges that demand experienced leadership and constructive ideas. The country needs respected leaders like Mr. Narube to contribute thoughtful policies, economic strategies, and practical solutions—not simply to revisit the mistakes of others.

The people of Fiji deserve a debate that is centred on building a stronger future, not one dominated by political fault-finding.

Now is the time for Mr. Narube to lead with ideas, inspire confidence, and demonstrate how his experience can help move Fiji forward.

Realistic Solutions to Fiji's Nursing Shortage

Perspective of a Former President of the Fiji Nursing Association and Former Nurse Practitioner

As a former President of the Fiji Nursing Association and a former Nurse Practitioner in Fiji, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices made by nurses across our country.
I have also seen the gradual erosion of our nursing workforce through migration, burnout, poor remuneration, and challenging working conditions.

The current shortage of nurses in Fiji is not merely a workforce issue; it is a national health crisis that affects the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of healthcare services for all Fijians.
While increasing the number of nursing graduates is important, the most realistic and sustainable solution is to retain the experienced nurses we already have while simultaneously strengthening the pipeline of future nurses.

1. Prioritise Retention of Experienced Nurses

The Government must recognise that experienced nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. Every nurse who leaves takes with them years of knowledge, skills, mentorship, and clinical expertise that cannot be replaced overnight.

To improve retention, Government should:
• Implement a phased increase in nursing salaries.
• Ensure timely payment of overtime and allowances.
• Introduce retention bonuses for long-serving nurses.
• Provide housing and hardship allowances, particularly for rural and maritime postings.
• Create clear career progression pathways.
Retaining experienced nurses is far more cost-effective than continuously recruiting and training new graduates only to lose them to overseas employment.

2. Improve Working Conditions

Many nurses are not leaving solely because of salary. They are leaving because of excessive workloads, staff shortages, burnout, and inadequate support.

Government should:
• Improve nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.
• Ensure adequate medical equipment and supplies.
• Strengthen workplace safety measures.
• Provide access to counselling and mental health support services.
• Reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on nurses.
When nurses feel valued, respected, and supported, they are more likely to remain in the profession.

3. Guarantee Employment for Nursing Graduates

At a time when health facilities are struggling with staff shortages, no qualified nursing graduate should remain unemployed.

The Ministry of Health should:
• Guarantee employment opportunities for all eligible graduates.
• Streamline recruitment and deployment processes.
• Expand internship and transition programmes.
• Develop workforce planning systems that anticipate future staffing needs.

4. Invest in Nursing Education and Specialist Training

Fiji must increase investment in nursing education to meet future healthcare demands.

This includes:
• Expanding student intake at nursing institutions.
• Providing scholarships and bonded training opportunities.
• Supporting postgraduate education and specialist nursing programmes.
• Increasing training opportunities in critical care, emergency nursing, mental health, midwifery, public health, and community nursing.

5. Strengthen the Nurse Practitioner Programme

As a former Nurse Practitioner, I strongly believe Fiji has not fully utilised the potential of advanced nursing practice.

Nurse Practitioners can:
• Improve access to healthcare in rural and maritime communities.
• Reduce pressure on overstretched medical officers.
• Provide high-quality primary healthcare services.
• Improve management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Government should expand and strengthen the Nurse Practitioner programme and create more advanced practice nursing positions throughout the health system.

6. Encourage the Return of Overseas-Based Fijian Nurses
Many experienced Fijian nurses overseas remain deeply committed to their homeland.

Government could encourage their return through:
• Relocation assistance.
• Recognition of overseas qualifications and experience.
• Competitive remuneration packages.
• Specialist and leadership opportunities.
Even a modest return of experienced nurses would significantly strengthen Fiji's healthcare system.

7. Negotiate Ethical Migration Partnerships
Nurse migration is now a global reality and cannot be prevented entirely.

Instead, Fiji should negotiate bilateral agreements with countries actively recruiting Fijian nurses to support:
• Nursing education and training.
• Specialist development programmes.
• Knowledge exchange initiatives.
• Workforce replacement support.
Such partnerships would help ensure that migration benefits both Fiji and destination countries.

Conclusion
As a former President of the Fiji Nursing Association and a former Nurse Practitioner, I firmly believe that Fiji's nursing shortage is fundamentally a retention crisis rather than simply a training crisis.
The solution lies in valuing nurses as essential professionals, investing in their welfare, improving working conditions, strengthening career pathways, and creating an environment where nurses can build rewarding careers within Fiji.
If Government can successfully retain experienced nurses while supporting the next generation of nursing professionals, Fiji will be better positioned to provide safe, equitable, and high-quality healthcare services for all its people.
Vinaka Vakalevu.

People, I concur with the concerns raised by Semi Tukana. Before any nation proceeds with significant decisions, it is essential to ensure that its institutions are robust, transparent, and trusted by the public.
Elections are not merely about casting votes; they are fundamentally about confidence in the democratic process, equitable representation, and public trust.

One important lesson from Singapore is that its success was achieved through sustained effort and long-term commitment.
Its citizens and leaders worked toward a shared vision, prioritizing the development of strong institutions, accountability, effective governance, and strategic planning.
By placing the national interest above political considerations, they were able to create a foundation for lasting progress and prosperity.

Fiji is fortunate to possess abundant natural resources, a talented population, and significant potential for growth.
Rather than allowing political divisions to hinder progress, we should focus on strengthening our institutions, enhancing governance, and building a future that delivers opportunities and benefits for all Fijians.
Investing the necessary time and effort to establish sound systems today can help prevent more serious challenges in the future.

The key question is not how quickly an election can be held, but whether we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable, and more united Fiji for future generations.

People, while I welcome the Minister for Health finally acknowledging the importance of properly remunerating our frontline medical staff, many Fijians will understandably question why this has suddenly become a “top priority” only now, as we move closer to the next General Election.

For nearly four years this Government has been in office, and throughout that time nurses, doctors and allied health professionals have repeatedly raised concerns about poor salaries, unpaid overtime, staff shortages, burnout, lack of allowances, and deteriorating working conditions.
The mass movement of our skilled health workers overseas did not start yesterday. It has been happening consistently for years, and the effects have been visible across our hospitals and health centres nationwide.

Patients have endured long waiting hours, overcrowded wards, postponed procedures, medicine shortages, exhausted staff and declining services.
Nurses and doctors have continued to work under immense pressure, sacrificing family time and their own wellbeing just to keep the health system functioning. Yet despite these realities being well known, the Government failed to make these issues an urgent budget priority in its earlier national budgets.

Now, nearing the end of their term, the Minister suddenly “sees the light” and is calling remuneration one of his main priorities.
The timing raises genuine concerns that this may be more about political survival and election optics than a sincere long-term commitment to fixing Fiji’s struggling healthcare system.

If the Coalition Government truly understood the seriousness of the crisis, meaningful interventions should have been implemented years ago — not at the closing stages of their term when public dissatisfaction is growing and an election is approaching.

The unfortunate reality is that many experienced nurses and doctors have already left Fiji because they felt undervalued and unheard. Replacing them is not easy. The country has lost years of experience, mentorship and expertise, which has directly affected patient care and hospital efficiency. Many remaining health workers continue to carry impossible workloads, leading to stress, fatigue and low morale.

Beyond salaries and overtime, there are still major unresolved issues: • Poor working conditions in hospitals and health facilities
• Lack of adequate medical equipment and supplies
• Delays in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance
• Shortages of specialist doctors and trained nurses
• Increasing burnout among frontline workers
• Limited career progression and professional development opportunities
• Growing public frustration over the quality and accessibility of healthcare services
Healthcare cannot continue to be treated as a last-minute political talking point whenever elections draw near. Fiji’s healthcare workers deserved support long before now, and the people of Fiji deserved a Government that acted earlier instead of reacting when the crisis had already deepened.
Our frontline workers have carried the health system on their backs for years. They deserve more than promises made at budget time — they deserve consistent action, genuine investment and leadership that prioritises healthcare throughout the full term of Government, not only when elections are on the horizon.