More Fijians have gained from Government’s Micro and Small Business Grant initiative.

Yesterday Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum handed-over more than $0.5 million in Sigatoka to help more people venture into small businesses.

Five hundred and forty-eight people received $1000 each from Mr Sayed-Khaiyum in the disbursement of Micro and Small Business Grant at Sigatoka Town.

He said the assistance was part of Government’s plan to improve Fijian livelihoods.

“We want you to hold our hand so that we can grow together and work together and improve the quality of not just your lives, but the quality of the lives in Fiji,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“As individuals, we must feel that we have potential to continue to improve our own lives and also the lives of other people.

“This is why when our Prime Minister launched this about two weeks ago; it was a very important occasion.”

He said Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama handed-over grants to more than 300 people in Suva. In Navua a more than 100 people were helped, while 548 people from Sigatoka received their grant allocation of $1000 each yesterday.

“We hope to carry on with this programme and subsequently there are about 7000 people who are deemed to be eligible. That’s about $7 million.”

He said 7000 out of the 27, 000 people who applied had qualified to receive assistance.

“With this money, we urge you please take the responsibility as you know we are giving you the money to purchase materials. Please use it responsibly,” he said.

The event was also attended by representatives from the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and the World Bank.

“For the first time in Fiji’s history, such an initiative has been undertaken where grants have been given through a recognised financial institution, which is FDB.

“The reason why we have FDB here is because if your business grows, we have your names, we know what business you are engaged in, we know the grant has been given to you and FDB has the record.”

He said it was important for the public to realise the scope of what the FijiFirst Government has planned in line with the progress of the country’s economic growth and stability.

“As you know through our Honourable Prime Minister, we have focused on infrastructure development, road development, electricity, water and roads. We ask for your patience in some areas that we may not necessarily be performing as quickly as possible.”

He said Government had been working with the World Bank to ensure the public get the best facilities, have access to funds and the best personnel to improve the lives of Fijians.

“We are working together with everybody. We would like you to have a sense of nationhood, a sense of contributing to your country because if you all feel for Fiji, our community will become stronger and that’s what we want,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

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