Market vendor, Miriama Kalokalo has condemned critics of the 2022-2023 National Budget.

In the same breath she said the critics were the very same people who would benefit from the assistance.

However, she was thankful that exceptional assistance was announced for Fijians when it came to education and purchase of basic food items.

During the 2022-2023 National Budget announcement in Parliament last Friday, Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said zero-rated VAT on the 21 items and free education would continue.

Ms Kalokalo said: “Although some may criticise the Government for this new budget, I’m at ease knowing that there is assistance for us in terms of buying basic food items and free education.”

“It’s not easy putting food on the table and our children in school.”

Having to live with expenses of $600 a week for market produce she is always cautious about the price of goods.

“I always make sure that I budget well sometimes I don’t make any profit,” she said.

“So, with free education continuing, and subsidies, this will allow me to make ends meet.”

Asinate Tadulala at the Suva market on July 17, 2022. Photo: Jone Salusalu

Similar sentiments were echoed by Asinate Tadulala, whose main income is from selling boutique fresh flowers at the Suva Municipal Market. The Education sector, under the new 2022-2023 National Budget was allocated $713.4million.

Ms Tadulala is thankful that this will allow the ministry to continue free education and transport assistance for those whose combined income is $16,000 or less.

“Such assistance provides great relief knowing that my children are still going to school without me paying for their fees and bus fare provided by the Government,” Ms Tadulala said.

She added that such assistance also encouraged her children to study hard and secure scholarships.

“I usually sell flowers here at the market, the cost of living is getting expensive and sometimes I don’t make a good profit here,” she said. “We are all struggling to survive. I’m thankful there is assistance for people like us.”

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