Under The People’s Alliance government, there will be a review of all government ministries, especially the Ministry of Economy.

This was the statement made by PA deputy leader, Lynda Tabuya, during a campaign meeting at the Raibevu Church Hall in Nasinu on Monday night.

Ms Tabuya said a review of the Ministry of Economy was needed to actually ascertain the state of the economy.

“When we were in parliament we would hear about annual reports, we question the debts that we are accumulating and its terms,” she said.

“We will ensure a review of all ministries, especially the ministry of economy to really know the true state of our economy.”

Equal Representation

She also told the audience that if they got into government, they would be an equal opportunity employer.

Ms Tabuya said they would ensure an equal representation of races, religious groups in all spheres of Government.

“There will be no discrimination on race, age, religious background, gender, etc,” she said.

Lease Money

On the equal distribution of lease money to landowners Ms Tabuya said many people, especially youths had benefitted from the equal distribution of lease money.

This was an initiative introduced by the FijiFirst Government that believed for owners of customary land and customary fishing grounds were entitled to receive a fair share of lease money.

“Many families have been struggling and they have really benefited from it,” she said.

“What we can promise is that if we will be receiving an equal distribution of lease money, we will continue with it.

“However, we will need to increase the amount of money we put into this, in other terms it’s called increasing the size of the pie.”

She added there were ways this could be done and they would have to look for ways that will enable us to get funds to be able to increase the size of the pie.

Land Lease

Ms Tabuya was also questioned by the audience if a PA Government would return land to the landowners when the lease term ends.

Ms Tabuya said it was only right for it to be returned to landowner’s but should there be a need for extension of the lease, they would talk and consult landowners for their consent to renew the terms of the lease.

She added it was all about having consultations with the landowners.

Story by: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj