Minister for Finance Biman Prasad says that people of Vanua Levu have been neglected for a long time.

Mr Prasad held budget consultations at the Seaqaqa Police Station Bure, Tabia Sanatan College, Labasa College, Korotubu Village, Fiji Rice Pte Limited and Vunimoli Muslim Primary School meeting farmers and fishermen and the Labasa Chamber of Commerce.

Questions were raised to the minister as to why people from Vanua Levu were not included in various boards such as Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and Land Transport Authority (LTA).

“We need to look at women, ethnic and regional representation in various boards,” Mr Prasad said.

“I agree that Vanua Levu has been neglected for long in terms of economy development.”

He assured business people gathered at Hotel Northwinds in Labasa on Friday night that Government was committed to developing the North.

He said there were plans to upgrade Labasa and Savusavu airports as Government was committed to improve tourism.

“We are focused on improving our agriculture services and the Minister for Agriculture has already made his budget submission which includes a focus on Vanua Levu,” he said.

“We are trying to encourage local investors to invest more, such as manufacturing.”

Story by:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj