THERE should be no excuse after August 1, says Lautoka Market Vendors Association president Filomena O’Neil.
In welcoming the budget, labelling it as fair and one for the people, Ms O’Neil said the decrease in VAT (reduced from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent) was something that everyone had been looking forward to.
“I think it will ease some of the burden of the high cost of living,” she said.
“The 10 per cent bus fare subsidy for all Fijians is also another very important feature which will help a lot of Fijians.
“The reduction of chicken and lamb with basic food items remaining as they are at low prices.
“These are all things that impact everyday Fijians, especially those living on minimum wages.
“So, I think this budget really is for the people and there should not be any excuses come August 1 because it has something for everyone.”
Ms O’Neil said the association also welcomed the concessions for small and medium enterprises and ongoing support for women, children and the elderly.
“For the vendors, the programs for MSMEs will always be a welcome relief.
“It meets our needs, and they continue to assist vendors in ensuring their businesses are maintained and sustainable.”
In the national budget address, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said this was an expansionary budget that anticipated deteriorating global economic conditions.
“Additionally, it is a budget that builds on the foundations of stability, certainty, consistency and predictability of policies,” he said.
“It is a budget that builds further on reducing the cost of living with measures including the reduction in VAT.”
