S.D.L Manifesto (a.k.a Pie-in-the sky-Promises)
Political Parties
SDL Manifesto
_____________________________
GOOD LEADERSHIP
FOR A SECURE AND STABLE FIJI
SOQOSOQO DUAVATA NI LEWENIVANUA
_____________________________
THE SDL’S PLAN FOR A PROSPEROUS FIJI
_____________________________
GENERAL ELECTION
August, 2001
FOR PEACE AND STABILITY
"Those of us involved in the foundation of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua recognize a national yearning for peace and stability. We will dedicate ourselves to achieving that. The birth of our party comes at a crucial time for Fiji. Our country was shattered by the turmoil of May 19th last year. The people have suffered, race relations were damaged and our economy has gone into decline. Politics has entered an era of uncertainty, division and instability. It is the SDL’s conviction that Fiji must learn from the mistakes of the past and discard the kind of politics that led the country to disaster. We must not go backwards. The country does not need more of the same. The SDL, therefore, stands for an era of renewal, for a fresh start and direction, for new leadership with new values and a clearly defined sense of purpose.
We give the country an outstanding line-up of candidates, many of them successful, experienced and qualified professionals. Among them are men and women who proved themselves last year as members of the Interim Administration. They stepped forward to serve when Fiji desperately needed leaders who could rescue the country from disaster. They succeeded against the odds and set the country on course for recovery. Now they are ready to finish the task.
"We see our party as a rallying point for all citizens of Fiji who want to join us on a journey of promise and hope. We want Fiji to become a unified country with the rule of law prevailing and the safety and security of citizens and their property assured. We will work to remove the barriers that separate the communities and replace animosity and fear with trust and co-operation. Our pledge is to work for the betterment of everyone. When we say everyone, we mean everyone. There is no racial boundary to our desire to serve Fiji.
"We see poverty as one of the country’s main enemies and we will mobilise all the resources of Government and the community to fight it. "We will strive for a political order which reflects the values we advocate.
The SDL will be influenced and inspired by Christian principles and ideals that provide a universal basis for harmony among people. Our creed is one of peace, tolerance and truth, caring for others, social justice, a commitment to law and order and honesty and integrity in public life."
- Laisenia Qarase, President, Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua.
THE SDL VISION
A Fiji of peace, multi racial harmony and prosperity.
MISSION
Our mission is to ensure:
The SDL leads the Government of the day;
Constitutional and parliamentary democracy is the system of Government in Fiji;
Achievement of economic growth of not less than five per cent annually, with the benefits of that growth to be enjoyed by all;
Investments which provide jobs for our young people;
Concentrate economic and social policies on reducing poverty;
Fair distribution of Government funds for development resulting in improvement of the general living standards of the whole population;
Special assistance or affirmative action to reduce the economic gap between Fijians and Rotumans and other communities.
Such assistance will also be available to the disadvantaged of other ethnic groups. No one will be excluded;
Maintenance of law and order;
Safety and security of citizens and their property are assured.
VALUES
The ideals and principles of the Christian faith;
Respect for the Vanua and the cultures and traditions of the indigenous Fijians and Rotumans;
Respect for the cultures and traditions of other communities domicile in Fiji;
Recognition of the paramountcy of indigenous Fijian and Rotuman interests, as proclaimed in the Constitution;
Respect for legal authority and law and order;
Respect for human and group rights;Honesty in public life and general standards of conduct which reflect our fundamental beliefs;
1. THE DOVE AND THE OLIVE BRANCH
Our party emblem is a symbol of hope and inspiration. The Dove and the Olive Branch illustrate the Christian ideals which form our founding values. They speak to us especially of peace, conciliation, rebirth and national renewal. Together, they are a sign of prosperity, abundance and achievement. They remind us of our children and their welfare and our duty to the future generations. They should inspire us as a party to care for our country and all its citizens, to uphold law and order and to practise honesty and integrity in public life.
Let the dove, carrying its branch of the olive tree, fly to all parts of Fiji with a message which transforms the country. Come with us, spread your wings Fiji!
2. A GREAT PARTNERSHIP
We’re ready! The SDL asks for your support in a great partnership for Fiji. Working with the people, the SDL will take our country forward to nationhood. We offer safe, strong, proven leadership. We will give you and your families peace, stability and security. Any party wishing to lead Fiji must be ready to work for the betterment of all. That’s what the SDL will do. The SDL seeks the greatest happiness for Fiji’s citizens.
The SDL sees its constituency in every sector of our society - the young, the old, men, women, families, the workers, the minority communities, business groups, the poor, the disadvantaged and the rural masses who have been neglected for so long.
This manifesto contains details of the SDL’s strategic plan for the country. It sets out proposals for promoting stability and security, combatting poverty, creating jobs and new industries, keeping the cost of living affordable, improving education and health services and lifting standards of living in rural regions and outer islands. All our policies have been carefully considered and costed. They are affordable and achievable.
3. HELP IN YOUR DAILY LIVES
Below is a summary of just some of our policies based on wide discussions with the electorate by party officials and workers. They are the SDL’s response to the immediate needs of people in their daily lives as they work to support their families.
3.1 REDUCING EDUCATION COSTS
Fee-free education progressively to Form 7 during the next five years. At present education is fee-free to Form 4. Fees will be removed for Form 5 in 2002, Form 6 in 2003 and Form 7 in 2004. This new policy will give thousands of our children a better opportunity to receive higher education.
Government will pay for native lease renewal premiums for all schools on native land leases. We understand the financial difficulties facing school committees and owners. Payment of NLTB premiums by the State will ease the burden of fund-raising on local communities.
Government will exempt schools and churches in urban centres from paying general rates.
Tax benefit covering payment of school fees for families earning $10,500 a year and below. This will be of assistance to working men and women and low income earners. There is to be an additional tax rebate for parents for the cost of higher education for their children. The rebate will cover tuition fees, purchase of textbooks and boarding fees - up to a maximum of $1500 per student. This will also lessen the cost of taxes for the people and encourage parents to send their children to university and other institutions of higher learning.
Tuition fee costs to be included in tax rebate claims for employers sponsoring university or advanced level studies for young employees under the youth employment scheme.
Government will pay the external examination fees for all children sitting the Fiji Junior Certificate, the Fiji School Leaving Certificate and the Fiji Seventh Form examinations. At present these fees have to be paid by parents. The new SDL policy gives further relief to parents for the cost of education.
SDL will extend to primary boarding schools a boarding-fee grant currently only available to secondary schools. This will assist parents whose children have to go to boarding schools to gain education.
3.2 TELEPHONE CHARGES
Telephone charges will be reduced by an average of 15 per cent in 2002. Telephone costs are a significant expense. Lowering them will benefit all who use phones, bring down the cost of doing business and help to improve the investment climate.
SDL will deliver more telephones to rural areas and outer islands. This is the information technology age and development is slow without adequate communication coverage.
3.3 WATER AND ELECTRICITY
Water and electricity charges are other household and business expenses which must be contained. Under an SDL Government, there will be no increase in water rates during the next five years. Electricity charges will be held at their current levels until at least 2003. Keeping the cost of these amenities down will help the people and encourage investment to generate more jobs.
SDL will make wholesome water available to more people as described elsewhere in the manifesto.
3.4 BASIC FOOD ITEMS
Price control on basic food items to continue. The Price Control list will be expanded if prices in the shops are too high. An SDL government would always want to help people by keeping costs as low as possible for their daily food bills.
3.5 BUS FARES
An SDL government will subsidize bus fares for school children for five years and to give free bus transport to the disabled and senior citizens over 60 years in age. Bus fares are a big burden to most families. The SDL will contain these costs for the benefit of our children. Free bus transport for those 60 years and over and the disabled will make life easier for more than 40,000 people who are usually on small fixed incomes and must count their money carefully. Our senior citizens and disabled deserve more support from their government.
3.6 HEALTH COSTS
We will remove the 50 cents a day charge for hospital general wards.. This will also ease the burden of payment for the less privileged.
3.7 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS
Our Government will increase social welfare benefits and Fiji Ex-Servicemen’s After-Care Fund allowances from 2002. This, again, is in line with our ideals of social justice.
3.8 HOUSING
An SDL government will cut from 11.5 per cent to eight per cent Housing Authority interest rates for those earning less than $10,500 annually. This is the largest borrowing group for the Authority.
We will approve new Housing Authority clients to design and build their own homes. We want to encourage people to own homes they like and can afford.
HA customers will be permitted to design and build their own homes.
Review conditions of tenancy at design and built locations including Matavolivoli, Tavakubu and Manikoso.
3.9 FNPF
Fiji National Provident Fund will permit partial withdrawal of savings to assist the unemployed or those on reduced pay.
FNPF members facing hardship will be allowed partial withdrawal from their accounts to reduce mortgage loans on residential properties.
4 MORE ASSISTANCE FOR THE POOR
The reinstatement of VAT on some basic food items will remain. Its removal by the People’s Coalition was of more assistance to the well-off, than to the poor. SDL policies outlined in this Manifesto for reducing the cost of living and developing the economy will produce far greater benefits for the poor and the disadvantaged than all the promises by the People’s Coalition. VAT is an essential part of a fairer and more efficient tax system necessary for the growth of prosperity, not a mechanism for redistribution.
4 AN IMPROVED CONSTITUTION
An SDL Government will ensure completion of the work of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) established to hear public representations on the 1997 Constitution. Our aim is to improve the Constitution, to make it more responsive to the requirements of our country and more effective in bringing our communities together. Never again should we have a Constitution which lacks foresight and becomes unworkable. We must have a Constitution that works and that unites Fiji. It must bring our ethnic groups together, not drive them apart.
We will ensure that consultation with the public on the Constitution proceeds. A report will be presented to Parliament for appointment of a committee to recommend changes.
The SDL will press for reforms which reflect the strongly- expressed concerns of the Fijian people. These will relate, among other things, to Parliamentary representation, a fair sharing of economic power and general protection of the position of the indigenous community.
A revised Constitution must also fully protect the democratic rights and freedoms of all Fiji’s ethnic groups.
It will be thoroughly explained to the population before submission to Parliament for approval.
6 THE BEST IN EDUCATION
Education and more education is a key to the success of our country. It will always be at the centre of the SDL agenda. The SDL is committed to the best in educational systems, ideas and initiatives. Education boosts growth and helps us to find our place in the new global economy. The SDL proposes the most ambitious scheme ever for the reform of education in Fiji. It will significantly ease the cost of education for our citizens.
SDL’s policy is to keep investment in education at a minimum of 20 per cent of the national budget. We believe the most valuable assistance the State can give to every family in Fiji is to ensure that every child has access to quality education to the highest possible level. Our children have a right to be educated to a standard which equips them to fulfil their potential as citizens, to follow their dreams of a rewarding future. Central to our policy is to assist each family to have at least one child attain university or other higher education qualifications.
Policy points:
Ensure that every child has the benefit of 12 years of basic education from Class 6 to Form VI.;
Tax benefit covering payment of school fees for families earning less than $10,500 a year. This will be of assistance to working men and women and low-income earners. SDL will also provide for an additional tax rebate for tuition fees, purchase of text-books and boarding fees per student of higher education up to a maximum of $1,500;
Employers sponsoring university or other advanced studies for youth employees may include tuition fee costs in their income tax rebate claim under the Youth Employment Scheme;
Government will pay external examination fees for all children sitting the Fiji Junior Certificate, the Fiji School Leaving Certificate and Fiji Seventh Form Examinations. This new policy represents another saving for parents;
SDL will provide fee-free education progressively to Form 7 for all students over the next three years;
Current fee-free study in Forms 4, 6 and 7 for children from poor families will continue;
Payment of NLTB premiums by the State and exemption from general fees for urban schools will ease the burden of fund-raising on local communities;
Government continues to pay grants to all schools offering technical and vocational subjects and will widen provision of technical and vocational education and training to improve opportunities for students looking for jobs;
The SDL will ensure that in making payments for tuition fees and grants that a fair proportion is used for essential classroom requirements like textbooks, library books, laboratory supplies and computers;
The boarding fee grant currently provided for secondary schools will be extended to all primary boarding schools;
Community, religious and cultural organisations own most of the schools in Fiji. The Ministry of Education will consult with important stakeholders including school owners and their management committees, principals’ and headteachers’ associations, and the two teachers’ unions to continuously review and enhance education policies;
The SDL will continue assistance for State-aided schools through teachers’ salary grants, building grants and support for teaching resources;
We will provide more help for schools for special education including early childhood technical and vocational education;
SDL will provide building grants to urban secondary schools providing boarding facilities for students from rural areas and outer islands;
Management training to continue for school managers and principals/head teachers;
SDL will expand in-service training with pay support programmes for teachers;
Retirement age of 60 to apply to teachers with an option for those who wish to retire at 55;
An SDL government will review the terms and conditions of service of teachers in rural areas and outer islands to provide an incentive to serve in rural schools. The review is to include the upgrading of quarters as a priority;
SDL will seriously consider integration into the teaching service of grant-in-aid teachers who have attained professional teaching qualifications;
SDL fully recognises the importance of education in building and strengthening the foundation for peace, unity and harmony in Fiji and will:
introduce Fijian language and culture studies to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the indigenous community;
extend the curriculum to include other language and cross culture studies, religious and moral instruction and human values education;
SDL will support the broadening of the school curriculum into special interest areas such as sport and physical education, information technology and distance education, visual and performing arts, and applied studies in agriculture, fisheries, mariculture and aquaculture.
6.1 HIGHER EDUCATION
The SDL will develop partnerships with parents to provide government assistance to enable children who have successfully completed Form 7 and pre-university foundation year education to undertake higher level studies;
SDL will continue scholarship assistance with emphasis on academic merit of the applicants, the needs of students from poorer families, and fairness in distribution between male and female students and the different regions of Fiji;
Student loan schemes will continue and closely coordinated with scholarship schemes.
7 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
An SDL Government will strengthen special programmes of assistance to reduce the economic differences between the Fijians and the other communities. These are in line with policies in place since Independence and are provided for in the Constitution. They are also in accordance with measures adopted in many other countries. At the moment, the Fijians are falling behind in education, the professions, business and income. The poorest and most disadvantaged people in Fiji are Fijians. Fijian households generally have the lowest incomes.
Affirmative action is not about endorsement of privilege. It is not about favouritism and exclusion or depriving others. The affirmative action Blueprint is about our vision of a country where different ethnic communities live in peace, harmony and prosperity. It is about creating a foundation for a stable and prosperous Fiji. It affirms our commitment to securing basic economic rights and a fairer division of wealth.
The aim is to remove inequities and inequalities which in themselves pose a threat to our social stability. Failure to address these would put society at peril and deny social justice to a large section of the population.
There is no intention of depriving others. An SDL government would enact programmes of assistance for the poor and needy in other communities. These include social welfare programmes, family assistance, low-cost housing, scholarships, student loan schemes and poverty alleviation projects. A special loan project at the Fiji Development Bank will offer concessionary finance to non-Fijians who qualify for assistance. We will continue to provide special financial support and subsidies for the business community to spur the investment and economic growth which makes jobs.
The SDL’s goal is to create an economy that has space for every citizen, that generates prosperity to be shared fairly. When we achieve this, Fiji will be a happier place and we will all reap the benefits.
8 THE BLUEPRINT
Plans for affirmative action are contained in a 20-year Blueprint. Expenditure on this will be kept at about three per cent of the national budget.
Details of the Blueprint have been widely publicised previously and are contained in a summary of this manifesto. It contains proposals on Fijian land issues, strengthening the role of the Great Council of Chiefs, enhancing participation by Fijians in commerce and industry, village improvement, education and a fairer share of natural resources.
9 RECONCILIATION AND UNITY
We will work for reconciliation and unity among our diverse racial groups so that Fiji becomes truly united with all our citizens living in peace, harmony and prosperity. We will spread the message of reconciliation across our society as an extension of the programmes already successfully started by the Interim Administration. These have seen co-operation and friendship resuming again in many parts of Fiji.
Our main proposals are:
Strengthening of reconciliation and unity among the indigenous Fijians on the basis of the Vanua and traditional relationships;
Promotion of reconciliation and unity among all communities, drawing on the peace-making ideals and values of our various religions, faiths and beliefs;
Support from Government ministries and departments for reconciliation and unity;
Seeking endorsement from the private sector for the work of reconciliation.
10 MULTI-RACIALISM
The SDL believes multi-racialism and unity among the people of Fiji cannot be produced just by speeches or statements in the media or by pretending that we are all the same and that Western democracy by itself can cure our racial problems. The SDL will concentrate more than any previous government on introducing initiatives and policies to encourage a culture of racial tolerance and understanding and mutual respect. We have to honestly face the differences between our two main communities and then commit ourselves to overcoming them.
The other political parties have not been successful in breaking down the walls which separate the communities. It is obvious that the Constitution so far has been unable to improve inter-communal relationships. The last Government did nothing to bridge the divisions. It made them wider and inflamed feelings through ineptitude, insensitivity, belligerence and a refusal to listen. The consequences were disastrous.
Much more thought and debate is required in defining exactly what is meant by multi-racialism and how it can blend into national life. When consensus is reached, we must lead a national commitment to pursuing this.
It is clear to the SDL that multi-racialism, founded on co-operation and trust between Fiji’s main ethnic groups, cannot be imposed from the political level. For multi-racialism to thrive and grow, it must come from the people, and be nourished constantly and with care. We must start with an understanding and appreciation of our cultural and social differences and how these can be best reconciled. Then we can concentrate on identifying the things that unite us. The SDL’s priority is to first ensure that the communities of Fiji co-exist harmoniously and that we move forward once again on a path towards national togetherness and political integration.
11 OUR MINORITY COMMUNITIES
The SDL recognises the need to safeguard the interests of Fiji’s religious, cultural and ethnic minorities. Under an SDL Government, the voice of the minorities will be listened to and their concerns given full consideration. Their contribution to Fiji is appreciated. We see them as an important section of the population. The minorities will be free to maintain and enhance the special character of educational institutions owned and managed by them. This will include the right to select without interference those appointed to leadership roles.
A Melanesian Advisory Council, similar to the Rotuma, Rabi and Kioa Island Councils,will be established to advise the Government of Melanesian development requirements.
12 ALTA AND AGRICULTURAL LAND SETTLEMENT
The SDL does not agree with those who are claiming that there is no land problem in Fiji. That approach indicates how dangerously out of touch with reality some leaders and political parties are and helps to explain why the land issue remains unresolved. Land has always been central to questions of politics, power, race and economics in Fiji.
The immediate land crisis, which is hurting the sugar industry and the national economy, centres on expiring leases and terms and conditions for new leases. The last two Parliaments failed to find a solution. The SDL has the political will and the vision to give the country a new plan for land. Its policies are ready to be enacted.
We totally reject the proposal by the Labour Party, the Party of National Unity (PANU) and the Fijian Association Party to establish a Land Use Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to "identify and access vacant lands and make them available to those in need". Such a policy is a major concern for owners of Fijian land and freehold land. It is easy to understand why Fijians suspect that the Land Use Commission might interfere with Fijian land rights and undermine the authority of the Native Land Trust Board.
Our land proposal is founded on the principle of fairness to landowner and tenant with fair market rentals and fair leases. Landowners need an incentive to lease, and tenants encouragement to improve farm productivity. The Agricultural Landlord & Tenant legislation does not achieve these things. We favour a lease system based on the Native Land Trust Act which has the flexibility to fully serve landlord and tenant. The NLTB has agreed that the minimum term for all agricultural leases under NLTA will be 30 years. It is likely that many leases will continue for much longer periods. Approval of our plan by Parliament will give stability and a fresh lease of life to the crucial sugar industry. There will be no need for politically-inspired refugee camps.
Policy points:
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forests and ALTA to be split into two - Ministry of Agriculture, ALTA and Land Settlement and Ministry of Fisheries and Forests. This reorganisation will more accurately reflect the importance of these portfolio areas and especially a new emphasis on development of forests and fisheries;
Establish a new ministry for ALTA issues and the settlement of people wishing to take up farming;
Transfer native agricultural land leased under ALTA to the Native Land Trust Act.
Provide $10,000 plus establishment costs per farmer being resettled after non-extension of lease and landowners wishing to take up cane farming. This farming assistance scheme would also apply to other crops (non-sugarcane) when applicants meet certain criteria;
An SDL government will continue the present policy of acquisition of freehold and native land for resettlement and farming development. SDL will identify all agricultural land available for leasing and gauge the number of landless people who want to take up commercial agriculture. This would involve close co-operation with the NLTB.
SDL provide financial assistance to individual farmers on land without title, and to fishermen.
13 SUGAR
Sugar will remain part of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Sugar. We want good incomes for millers, farmers, landowners, cane cutters, mill workers and for all those other groups who play their part in the industry. The SDL supports the vision for the modernisation of the industry as contained in the industry’s Strategic Plan. The SDL will commit specific assistance to enable the Fiji Sugar Corporation to return to profitability and improve its financial position.
14 AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is one of the most neglected areas of national development.
More than 54 per cent of the population live in rural areas and they are the poorest among us. Agriculture will free them from poverty. We need more emphasis on establishing alternative crops, training, motivation and overcoming the marketing and distribution difficulties in an island nation.
Policy points:
Increase the competitive advantage and enhance the productivity of rural primary industries for producing high quality food and products;
Adopt a food security policy by protecting poultry, pork, beef, dairy and rice industries, etc;
Review and revitalise the copra industry upon which some 50,000 people depend including promotion of replanting and further development of the coconut timber industry;
SDL will support rice farming and dairy to self-sufficiency levels;
Extend farm assistance scheme for new farmers;
Establish Produce Marketing Authority to market agricultural produce and selected imported commodities;
Strengthen commercial breeding and meat production by merging Yaqara Pastoral Co Ltd and Viti Corps Ltd;
Improve training, education and advice for agricultural workers, farmers and agricultural businesses;
Establish and strengthen community agricultural enterprises.
15 INVESTMENT, COMMERCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The SDL is supportive of business and private investment. Its leadership and candidates have wide commercial and financial experience. They will apply this to creating a buoyant business and investment environment to promote sustained investment growth of not less than 5 per cent of gross domestic product annually. We will give high importance to restoring the commercial confidence essential for attracting the investment dollars Fiji needs to produce jobs for a growing population. Regular and close dialogue and consultation with the commercial and investment community will be an essential part of confidence-building.
We are determined to cut out the red tape and cumbersome bureaucratic procedures which deter investors. The Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau will become a one-stop shop. SDL sees Government as a catalyst and facilitator. The Government will intervene in the economy when this is necessary to stimulate investment and business expansion. Its eventual objective would be to dispose of public equity and some other Government commercial interests to private enterprise when ventures are established and profitable. Certain commercial activities will be retained if they are of national strategic importance. The vehicle for Government financial participation in the business sector is to be a Fiji Investment Corporation. Our aim is to kick-start the economy by promoting a number of new industries.
15.1 FORESTRY
In our first year of office, attention will be concentrated on establishment of harvesting and processing industries based on Fiji’s rich mahogany and hardwood plantations. Using an improved pine industry model, the SDL plans a national mahogany venture involving the landowners, the government and a substantial strategic partner. A central aim is to ensure landowners receive commercial and financial benefits in a variety of forms. They will be fully consulted at all stages of the project. The SDL expects the Great Council of Chiefs Sub-committee on Mahogany to suggest some direction to progress this endeavour.
We will assist in the establishment of community-owned and managed forestry processing and value-adding facilities based on indigenous forests and community-owned plantations.
The SDL will work closely with Fiji Pine Limited to speed up the development of large scale harvesting and processing of pine plantations on Vanua Levu. Direct participation of landowners will be a critical success factor.
15.2 FISHING & SHIPBUILDING
Fiji’s central location in the Pacific and its valuable fish stocks are a sound foundation for expanding our existing commercial fishing and processing enterprises. We envisage the development of a substantial national fishing fleet serving a growing processing sector and supplying international markets. Special incentives will be introduced to promote the industry. Fishing ground owners will be encouraged and assisted to become active participants in the fishing industry.
The Government shipyard and slipway have the potential to become the focus of a thriving commercial shipbuilding and repair venture creating jobs and income. Plans are in hand to move forward on this.
15.3 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Initial feasibilities on development of an IT industry have been completed. It shows huge promise and will receive full support from the SDL. Initiatives will include duty concession on computers and deregulation as a means of addressing high internet charges.
15.4 TOURISM
This industry is starting to grow again. The SDL will work closely with Air Pacific to speed up the long-delayed development of another high quality resort at Denarau. It will also co-operate closely with the promoters of a tourism project at Natadola which can become the biggest commercial enterprise of its kind in Fiji and the south-west Pacific.
Landowners will be encouraged and assisted to establish eco-tourism facilities to expand tourist destinations/facilities and involve landowners directly in the industry.
SDL will establish a Bula Host programme to create awareness about the benefits people gain from tourism and encourage more direct contact between ordinary people and tourists.
15.5 EDUCATION
A new source of foreign earnings and employment is opening up to Fiji through involvement in the rapidly-expanding global education industry. The SDL will maintain an open-door policy to institutions of higher learning wishing to establish here. Some initial success has been achieved, but much more can be done to diversify and strengthen this new industry. It also complements the SDL’s commitment to making the best education facilities available to Fiji’s people.
15.6 GARMENT INDUSTRY
Strong support will be given to diversifying markets for the garment industry especially in promoting exports to America, Japan and Europe. There will be continuing Government assistance in lobbying for market share. Negotiations will continue for quota-free access to the US. Financial assistance will be provided through the Fiji Development Bank for manufacturers with temporary financial difficulties following a market downturn. Government will continue to support the training of garment workers.
15.7 MINERAL RESOURCES
A diverse range of minerals exist in Fiji. We want to reap the considerable benefits that a larger and more diversified minerals and mining industry can provide in foreign earnings, employment and returns to landowners. An SDL Government will actively promote Fiji as an excellent exploration centre for overseas investors. Presently about $2 million is invested annually in exploration. We will target a total of $25 million annually. Such an increase could lead to the development of at least two more mines. These would join the 70-year-old goldmining venture at Vatukoula. The SDL will give strong support to exploration at Namosi to establish the viability of a copper mine in the province. All exploration and mining would be subject to appropriate environmental protection measures.
Other policy points:
Expansion of markets for exports;
Encourage alternative sources of consumer goods and products;
Encourage joint ventures and partnerships between Fiji companies and significant international corporations;
Encourage early implementation of other large tourism/construction projects;
Encourage and assist further investment in resource industries (forest, marine, agro-enterprises);
Apply controlled deregulation with a clear schedule of tariff movements for the next 10 years;
Utilise the co-operative model when appropriate to foster the development of small commercial enterprises;
Generally nurture an entrepreneurial culture;
Landowners’ rights will be protected and they will be assisted to be active participants in resource-based industries.
16 PUBLIC ENTERPRISE REFORM
The SDL will vigorously implement proposals for the corporatisation and privatisation of public enterprises. The aim is to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, attract investment and create jobs, enhance efficiency, productivity and accountability. However, these will be implemented in ways that minimises negative impact on workers and national security.
Some priorities include:
Complete the reorganisation of the port industry to fully establish Fiji as an ideal, productive and cost-efficient trans-shipment centre for the Pacific Islands;
Establish a shipping corporation to provide regular and cost-efficient services to the outer islands of Fiji;
Improve electricity services Fiji-wide by re-organising the Fiji Electricity Authority and introducing competition for the generation, transmission and sale of electricity;
Introduce commercialisation and reforms in selected areas;
Reduce Government shareholding in some companies as a means of introducing new management, technical expertise, capital and widening share ownership;
Reserve percentage of Government shares for sale to Fiji citizens;
No compulsory redundancy under corporatisation/privatisation programmes.
17 TOURISM
The visitor industry is showing strong signs of recovery. It will remain a centrepiece of the economy, especially for employment and earning foreign exchange. It opens up many income opportunities in urban and rural areas. The SDL believes the industry can again achieve record visitor numbers.
We commit to allocating sufficient funding to the Fiji Visitors Bureau for marketing and promotion. Another significant initiative is allocating funds for construction of infrastructure for the long-planned resort scheme at Natadola. This is a major investment for the creation of what will become one of the country’s most spectacular resort areas.
Fiji is blessed with areas of significant visual and serene attraction. The SDL will assist landowners to develop and manage more eco-tourism facilities to extend activities and destinations available to visitors. We will also strengthen those already in existence.
Policy points:
Continue with financial incentives for foreign investment;
Support for Air Pacific in promoting a new resort at Denarau;
Encourage establishment of small to medium sized eco-tourism resorts;
Develop tradition and culture tourism;
Set up national heritage sites;
Inaugurate Tourism Resource Owners’ Forum as a vehicle for advancing Fijian participation in the industry;
Develop keener awareness among landowners of the value of tourism and create a sense of involvement and partnership;
Additional training in all sections of the industry;
Establish special areas for concentrating tourism development, with emphasis on redistribution of benefits to areas which currently do not gain enough direct benefit;
Designate areas of significant interest for conservation and low intensity (eco) tourism.
18 LAW AND ORDER
The SDL will provide additional training and equipment to the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to defend Fiji and its sovereignty, maintain internal security and uphold the rule of law. When our crisis was at its height last year, many citizens felt their personal and family security were threatened. They did not feel safe in their own homes. Lawlessness was rampant and innocent people suffered. The growth in violent crime is a concern for us all. One of our basic beliefs is that people have the right to personal security and protection against violence. The SDL law and order policy is focussed on strengthening law enforcement to achieve this.
Policy points:
Improve community policing as a partnership with the public and expand support for Crime Stoppers;
Ensure there are more well trained and equipped police officers on the streets;
A more effective patrolling system to make communities feel safer;
Quicken response times to crime reports;
Upgrade police equipment, transport and communications;
Devote more resources to youth crime prevention;
Boosting traffic policing in selected Police Post areas and increasing road safety awareness activity will help to cut down on road accidents.
Fundamental to the SDL approach is the promotion of respect for legal authority and law and order. We will do this through public awareness programmes, civic instruction in schools and in other sectors of society.
The SDL strongly supports maintenance of an independent judiciary.
It will ensure judicial appointments are taken out of the political arena. The SDL sees the security forces as a contributor to nation-building especially in assisting with Government projects in rural areas. The Army possesses many skills which can be utilised for the benefit of the people. Our Government would maintain present commitments to the United Nations, multi-national and regional peacekeeping forces. We will review the location allowance for troops serving in UNIFIL in Lebanon. We would implement a policy of developing agreements with other nations to bolster collective strategy in gathering intelligence for combatting international terrorism, dealing with illegal immigrants, drug smuggling, money laundering and pollution of the environment.
19 PUBLIC FINANCE, FISCAL & MONETARY POLICIES
Using the combined experience and financial expertise of the SDL leadership, our government will provide competent and prudent management of Government finances.
Policy points:
High levels of sustained economic growth - at least five per cent of GDP per annum - to improve living standards;
Improve compliance in revenue collection;
Concentrate expenditure on promoting economic growth and funding essential social and economic programmes and infrastructure;
Ensure the deficit is manageable;
Continue financial management reforms in Government;
Monetary policy focusing on maintaining low levels of inflation and ensuring adequate foreign exchange reserves;
Reserve Bank to ensure maintenance of a sound financial system;
Provision of financial services to rural areas;
Strengthen the Fiji Development Bank to improve its capacity to fulfil its developmental role;
Proper management of Government assets, such as buildings and equipment;
Provision of infrastructure to support investment through roads, water, and other amenities;
Regular review of investment package to promote new business development and growth;
Exchange control to be reviewed for further relaxation.
20 PROVIDENT FUND
Establish share purchase scheme for members of the Fiji National Provident Fund, permitting purchase of shares listed on the South Pacific Stock Exchange;
Facility for Fijian members of the Fund to withdraw part of their contributions for the purchase of shares in village, tikina and provincial companies;
FNPF to allow partial withdrawal to enable members to reduce mortgage loans on their residential properties;
FNPF to permit partial withdrawal of funds to those who remain unemployed or are on reduced pay;
More service centres will be established around the country to improve access to services;
Amend Trustee Act and other legislation to enable more FNPF investments, thus making more funds available.
21 ALLEVIATING POVERTY/SOCIAL WELFARE
The reinstatement of VAT on some basic food items will remain. Its removal by the People’s Coalition was of more assistance to the well-off, than to the poor. SDL policies outlined in this Manifesto for reducing the cost of living and developing the economy will produce far greater benefits for the poor and the disadvantaged than all the promises by the People’s Coalition. VAT is an essential part of a fairer and more efficient tax system necessary for the growth of prosperity, not a mechanism for redistribution.
Poverty alleviation efforts must empower target groups with the knowledge and capability to support a decent lifestyle. Removal of VAT is tokenism and does not address the root cause of the problem. The SDL appreciates that some require direct assistance urgently and responds accordingly. However, we direct much of our commitment to enablement programmes that will help those in need to help themselves.
Relevant ministries will lead in efforts to reduce poverty and the needs of squatters. They will be assisted by approved religious organisations with delivery of services.
The SDL is committed to increase:
Family Assistance Scheme to support destitutes;
Social welfare benefits and Fiji Ex-Servicemen’s After-Care Fund from 2002;
Financial assistance to the poor to help them earn an income including establishment of cottage industries;
Provision for more poverty alleviation projects, and extending eligibility so that more people can be helped;
The SDL will also:
Acquire and develop land for squatters and provide basic amenities for squatter settlements;
Design low-cost housing for squatters and include them in Government’s rural housing assistance schemes;
Strengthen rehabilitation schemes for former prisoners.
22 HEALTH
It is the task of Government to ensure all our citizens, regardless of income level or social and economic status, enjoy the right to good, affordable medical and health care. Our priorities include:
Maintaining services that people can afford. We will remove the 50 cents- a- day charge for hospital general wards;
Improved provision for overseas treatment;
Re-organisation of the Ministry of Health;
Completing the Vunidawa, Nadi and Levuka Hospitals;
Design, site preparation and construction of Labasa Hospital;
Upgrading at Lautoka and CWM Hospitals;
A new pharmacy warehouse to replace the existing Government Pharmacy;
Allocation of funds for medical equipment, maintenance and upgrading for hospitals, health centres and nursing stations;
Efficient and effective curative health services to be directed especially at rural and remote areas and squatter settlements;
Recruitment and training of health professionals to overcome shortages of manpower and skills;
Upgrade and strengthen the Fiji School of Nursing, in collaboration with the Fiji School of Medicine to provide a highly-skilled workforce;
Provision of terms and conditions of employment for health workers which reflect the demands of the work and the professional standards expected;
A more active approach in primary and preventive health care through health management reform programmes;
New initiatives on reproductive and adolescent health and integrated management of childhood illnesses;
Development of a comprehensive health information system;
Introduction of new legislation and a review of existing laws relating to hospitals, dispensaries, health services, public health, pharmacy and poisons and health workers;
Private investor involvement to supplement health services in co-operation with the Government;
Review effectiveness of Tobacco Control Act of 1999.
23 INFRASTRUCTURE
We will allocate major resources to improving our roads, water supplies, sewerage systems and electricity services. All these amenities are essential for making life better and triggering economic growth. A five-year scheme will include:
Design, land acquisition and construction of a new Rewa Bridge;
Upgrading of roads;
Construction of the Vunidawa Road from Vunidawa to Nakorosule;
Upgrading of Rotuma’s jetty;
Upgrading of Lagalaga and Vatudova bridges;
Tarsealing and improvements to Buca Bay Road, Taveuni coastal road, Sawani Road and Korovou/QVS and Korovou/Nayavu Roads, Dreketi/Nabouwalu, Ovalau and Naqali/Serea roads.
Plans for water, sewerage and rural electrification include:
Upgrading and expansion of systems in Suva/Nausori, Lami/Naboro, Navua/Deuba, Korovou/Levuka, Nadi/Lautoka, Sigatoka, Ba, Tavua/Vatukoula, Rakiraki, Labasa and Savusavu;
Sewerage systems will be improved and extended in Suva/Nausori, Navua and Pacific Harbour, Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, Labasa and Savusavu;
In rural electrification, the FEA grid is to be extended to provide electricity to approximately 40 village/settlements a year. About 30 village diesel power projects will be implemented each year, while another 43 will be upgraded.
24 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The SDL is determined to lift standards of living in villages and settlements and initiate activities which provide income for rural communities. We will at least double funds for the following:
A five-year programme of increased funding for self-help projects, divisional development and maintenance of non-PWD roads._Self help projects include rural electrification, water supply/storage, rural housing, community buildings, village sanitation, etc;
Financial assistance to Habitat for Humanity to improve housing for rural communities;
More funding for farming and logging access roads and provincial and district pathways.
25 LABOUR RELATIONS
An SDL Government would seek to promote and achieve a sound and stable industrial relations climate for the country through:
A comprehensive review of all labour legislation to internationally-accepted standards and consistent with expectations of Fiji’s trading partners and the World Trade Organisation (WTO);
Inclusion in legislation of the need for remuneration systems rewarding individual productivity and the attainment of performance targets;
A high standard of compliance, as far as practicable, with international norms;
A more effective process to resolve disputes as amicably and expeditiously as possible;
Development of a policy against Trade Sanctions which the Government would lobby for in international fora of which it is a member;
Promotion and establishment of programmes to increase productivity in both the public and private sectors.
26 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
An SDL government will listen to the young people of Fiji. They comprise more than half of our population. The future of the country will ultimately be in their hands. The SDL intends to establish a Youth Advisory Panel to consult with and advise Ministers regularly on issues associated with young people, especially the effectiveness of Government services. We will concentrate on giving further support for the disadvantaged, the unemployed and the dispossessed - for example street children.
Planning is well advanced for a National Youth Service Scheme. We intend to have this fully operational by 2003. The scheme is to be implemented in co-operation with Government ministries, statutory bodies, provincial and advisory councils, municipalities, the private sector, regional and UN agencies. It has a number of components.
These include:
Youth Volunteer Corps in schools;
Programmes for out-of-school, unskilled, unemployed youths featuring character-building, social and civic responsibility, national pride, skills training, civil defence skills, career planning, work ethics and values;
Initiatives for young people with special needs, such as street children, juvenile delinquents, prison inmates, and sex workers. These are designed to offer employment training and rehabilitation and character-building;
Another special programme is designed for the physically and mentally challenged with a concentration on character-building, field excursions, life skills and employment;
Youths who fail to go on to further studies or gain employment will be required to register in and join a character building program which will also involve on-the-job training in Government Extension programmes.
There will be continuing emphasis on the development of sport which help to strengthen national pride and foster a sense of identity;
Assist young people gain on-the-job training and employment overseas.
27 SPORTS
Fiji is a sporting nation. Its citizens are keen sports enthusiasts. Sporting pursuits help build healthy communities and create a positive community spirit and sense of togetherness. The SDL also recognizes that sport provides an alternative career path and is the fastest growing form of entertainment. The SDL will:
Establish an Academy of Sports;
Remove duties on all sports equipment;
Provide tax breaks for sports sponsorship;
Introduce a sports tax on tobacco and liquor;
Assist the development of more sports facilities throughout Fiji;
Provide financial assistance to major sports to enable them to become professionally competitive.
28 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The SDL government initiatives will concentrate on:
Improving the system and services of local government and making them more accountable to ratepayers;
Enhancing municipal financial management through the adoption of a more relevant accounting system;
Finalising introduction of a national building code to improve building standards;
Shortening the time taken to process development approvals;
Empowering municipalities to decide on development applications;
ß Close the Lami dump and improve waste management in other municipalities;
ß Urgently review Local Government Act.
29 HOUSING
Housing Authority interest rates for those earning $10,500 and below annually will be brought down from 11.5 per cent to 8 per cent. This will give immediate financial relief to those who comprise the largest group of people borrowing from the Authority.
Policy points:
The Public Rental Board will continue providing rental flats to low-income families with rental subsidy from the Government;
Increase provision of funding for Housing Assistance & Relief Trust (HART) to build more homes for destitutes.
Permit Housing Authority customers to design and build their own homes.
Review conditions of tenancy at ‘design and built’ locations including Matavolivoli, Tavakubu and Manikoso.
30 TRANSPORT
30.1 ROAD TRANSPORT
One of the SDL’s main transport policies is to review the performance of the Land Transport Authority (LTA). It has become evident that some of the legislation governing the functions of the Authority is unrealistic for Fiji at this stage of our development. Standards are imposed particularly on transport operators which are difficult to maintain.
Policy points:
Review of bus, taxi and minibus industries;
Introduction of new technology (e.g. traffic cameras) to improve road safety;
Extension of Fiji Road Upgrading Project (FRUP) for additional aid funding for road improvement;
Additional funding for maintenance of national rural roads.
30.2 MARITIME SECTOR
Reorganisation of maritime agencies to improve their overall performance and efficiency will be paramount. These include Maritime & Ports Authority of Fiji, Ports Terminal Ltd, and other related agencies in a corporatisation programme presently underway.
Policy Points:
Establishment of a new port and wharf in Vanua Levu, Suva’s;
Improvements in port infrastructure and amenities at King’s Wharf , Lautoka Wharf and Levuka;
Review of the shipping franchise scheme;
Construction and/or improvement of a number of outer island jetties.
30.3 AVIATION
Policy points:
Development for the long-term at Nadi International Airport and Nausori Airport in anticipation of increased air traffic in the region;
Negotiate new air services agreements with other countries to exploit new opportunities for tourism, business and investment. These include Argentina, Philippines, South Africa, Mexico, Indonesia and possibly Russia;
Upgrading of Labasa Airport to enable bigger aircraft to land;
Construction of new airports in outer islands, especially in Yasawa, Taveuni and Kadavu to facilitate tourism;
Improvements to outer island airports to enhance safety and accommodate more aircraft.
31 THE ENVIRONMENT
Our aim is to protect Fiji’s natural environment and ensure that it is not degraded by the effects of economic growth and development. The focus will be on maintaining healthy and clean surroundings, elimination of pollution and proper management of waste.
Policy points:
Creating positive public attitudes towards environmental conservation and protection;
Enactment of the Sustainable Development Bill, amended to ensure it is appropriate for Fiji;
Developing the capability of the Department of Environment and other environmental management and enforcement agencies;
Construction of a landfill at Naboro to handle waste from Suva, Nausori, Nasinu, Lami and Navua;
Construction of landfill projects in other urban areas.
32 WOMEN
The SDL wants the position of women in national affairs to be strengthened. Women’s concerns will be taken into account in all Government policies and initiatives.
Policy points:
Implement the 10-year Plan of Action;
Review all laws that are disadvantageous to women;
In offering further economic assistance to women, review all laws, lending and credit policies that do not fully serve the interests of women;
Target 50 per cent representation for women for participation at all levels of Government and where applicable, in the private sector and in training, appointments and promotions;
Further promote participation of women in business and in national decision-making;
Pursue a long-term solution to issues connected with violence against women;
Improve participation in sports by women;
Institutional strengthening for women’s organisations;
Maternity allowance for working women.
33 CULTURE & HERITAGE
Greater importance must be given to developing appreciation and knowledge of Fiji’s rich cultural and historical heritage. These are indispensable for building a national identity and sense of nationhood.
Policy points:
Protect, preserve and manage Fiji’s cultural and natural heritage with emphasis on indigenous culture;
Create an environment which encourages the flowering of the artistic and creative talents of the people;
Integrate culture and heritage into the education system with particular stress on language as a major cultural heritage;
Strengthen the organisational and financial capabilities of cultural and heritage institutions;
Adopt where possible a tourism-conservation economic model suitable for Fiji;
Develop the concept of a ‘Fiji Village’ as a showcase for the cultures and lifestyles of Fiji.
34 EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND TRADE
The SDL foreign policy would favour good relations with all nations. But we would continue to speak out against what we consider to be a new form of colonialism. This is marked by attempts by some wealthy and powerful nations to make smaller and weaker countries conform to their standards and values. Fiji has experienced this since last year. Our government would promote trade with other countries and broaden sources of imports and markets for exports. There would be continuing support for international organisations and regional bodies. New overseas missions would be established where necessary. We see good potential for extending our relationship with China and the opening of an embassy in Beijing would be a priority.
