The National Federation Party believes it “…is important” that every worker should get the opportunity to have at least two bottles of beer at the end of each week.

These were the sentiments raised on Friday by NFP candidate and former trade unionist, Attar Singh, during the party’s campaign at the Bulileka Sanatan College in Labasa.

“It is our claim that each worker—after working for a week is entitled to at least two bottles of beer at the end of the week. This is important,” he said.

NFP had announced last week while launching its manifesto that it plans to reduce the duty on locally-manufactured beer by 20 per cent.

The announcement sparked outrage from a number of women and mothers who said life would get much harder for them, it would lead to more family disputes and women and children would feel threatened.

But Mr Singh said drinking two bottles of beer was reasonable and it would not result in any family disputes.

“Not everyone will have the funds to buy more beer should its price be reduced as opposed to people saying that people will start drinking more beer,” he said.

“Cost of living has increased and NPF will ensure that people are able to afford basic items.

“If the second-hand clothing industry was not in Fiji people would not even have clothes to wear,” he claimed.

He reiterated that party leader Biman Prasad always said the $5 minimum wage would not result in any job losses or closure of any factories.

This is disputed by business owners, who say jobs and exports will fall.

“We also need to strengthen the union movement so that workers would get the power one more time,” Mr Singh said.

“The civil service contract system will be removed by NFP.”

Another candidate, Parmod Chand, said NFP wanted to bring happiness into the lives of every Fijian.

NFP candidate Waisele Kanavo said whatever NFP said yesterday, today or tomorrow, was not a lie.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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