Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube likened government handouts to free lollies “good in the mouth for few moments but not good for people because it’s full of sugar”.
He said the handout lollies were targeting the very poor and would only provide short-term relief, with no concrete long-term solutions being announced on addressing poverty in Fiji.
He made the statement while campaigning for the 2022 General Election at Mokani Village in Bau, Tailevu, on Thursday night.
The former Reserve Bank of Fiji governor reminded people that there would be a rise in government handouts as the country headed to the polls.
“They have started throwing out ‘lollies’ but I will let you be the judge, vote for the leaders you know that can take Fiji out of the misery it’s already in,” Mr Narube said.
He claimed Government had started giving handouts to people who were severely hit by poverty, knowing well they did not have a choice but to accept.
“Government is just throwing handouts, knowing that they will accept them and it has not given any medium to long-term solution of addressing poverty in Fiji.
“We need to break out of this cycle of being slaves to government handouts — it has deepened poverty.
“You will receive handouts today, it doesn’t last long so you will keep depending on them for the next round of handouts.”
