Members of the Wainunu tribe in Bua province have rallied support for Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the FijiFirst Government.

They made their pledge on the basis of the Government’s assistance, particularly the free school fees and numerous development projects that benefitted people within the province and the Northern Division.

Wainunu tribe spokesperson Epeli Matawalu said villagers were told by their chiefs to vote for SODELPA, but their minds were already made up.

During their traditional welcome presentation, to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at Ratu Luke Memorial School yesterday, Mr Matawalu said that they had faith in PM Bainimarama’s leadership because of the so many development projects that took  place under the FijiFirst banner.

Mr Matawalu said previous Governments had a peculiar habit of making false promises.

“We want the Bainimarama Government to remain because it has made our life easier. It has brought Government services closer to us like the two-day Government roadshow,” he said.

“FijiFirst Government has fulfilled promises to the vanua, for example the construction and tarsealing of the Nabouwalu-Labasa Highway.

“The Government of the day walks the talk. In previous Governments  some ministers would visit our village, take notes of our grievances and daily struggles, but no action was taken.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with local community members in Wainunu, Bua, on July 2, 2018. Photo: DEPTFO

Soqosoqo Vakamarama ko Wainunu president Veima Motomoto said they could not wait for elections day to re-elect the Bainimarama Government.

“The Government of the day does not differentiate people. It has raised the living standard with the free- education schemes and better infrastructure,” Ms Motomoto said.

“Imagine if Mr Bainimarama runs for another four to eight years, development in the Northern Division will only grow.”

Jale Sigarara said the living standards in the village were lifted with the Bainimarama Government.

“Children in the villages are now attending schools,” Mr Sigarara said.

“Before there were a lot of school dropouts. Now with the free schemes there are fewer cases of school dropouts.

“This is why we favour the FijiFirst Government,” he added.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  nacanieli.tuilevuka@fijisun.com.fj