Cane farmers were singing praises of  Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday at the end of his four-day West sugar consultation visit.

Mr Bainimarama was smiling and he had every reason to do so.

His last two stops were Korovuto College in Nadi and Tuva Sanatan School in Nadroga. Hundreds of cane farmers  said they were happy with Mr Bainimarama’s efforts to raise the standards of the sugar industry.

The new initiative announced by Mr Bainimarama for assistance included payments of leases for farmers who have being adversely affected in some way and addressing issues pertaining to Fiji Sugar Corporation.

Farmer Aliti Naciqu, of Tagitagi settlement, near Semo was overwhelmed to have had the opportunity to share her concerns with the PM.

“We have elected the PM and he is to hear our grievances. We thank him for being the people’s man,” Ms Naciqu said.

Rangasami Gounder, of Vatusila, said there were a lot of issues and the PM only could solve them.

Masook Khan, of Lomawai, said: “This is the first time both the PM and the A-G were present to assist farmers and to hear their plights.”

Kamleshi Lata, 59, said: “It was very good and there were sensible issues discussed which were important for our farmers especially as we are far away from the sugar mill. We have read in the papers and seen on TV, listen to radio, but to hear from him in person is great.”

Jagdish Mangal, 58, of Vunayasi, Nadi, said: “Good to be present here so some hidden agenda is exposed.”

Pita Nadiri, 61, of Maqalevu, said: “It is rare to see a PM come to the people and hear their concerns. He brings his full senior officials as a one-stop forum and we farmers can get spot-on information.”

Parmesh Kumar, 48, of Navo said: “This is very good as we need solution to our problems so that we can continue to develop the economy in whatever way we can.”

Today the PM and his entourage continue with the sugar consultations at the Seaqaqa community hall at 1pm and Labasa Civic Centre Hall at 4pm.

Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

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