IF you have no money to assist Fijians affected by the COVID-19 crisis and the recent cyclones, tell us and we will help you.
That’s the plea from Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre co-ordinator and human rights activist Shamima Ali to the Government, claiming State assistance is not reaching people who have lost their jobs and families who have nothing to eat.
Ms Ali said the Government needed to come out clean and tell the people the truth.
She said CSOs such as the FWCC were ready to assist should their help be needed.
“We’ve had lies about the economy and we’ve had lies about the generator so what we want is the truth. You owe it to us the people of this country,” she said.
“We talk about human rights and climate change out in the global where we are seen as leaders, but at home there’s nothing.”
Fiji Women’s Rights Movement executive director Nalini Singh said the impacts of Covid-19 would have long-term implications on the people of Fiji. “We have over the years done our best in terms of contributing in various ways.
“It’s time for the Government to tell the truth now. The people of Fiji need to know the truth now,” she said.
“Please tell us how prepared we are as a nation as we grapple through the impacts of Covid-19 and the disasters that we are seeing.
“How are our resources being put to good use to ensure that our people who are getting impacted get it over and over again.” Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND) Fiji director Shashi Kiran claimed the Government had avoided those impacted by the pandemic.
“I am questioning the heart and soul of this nation in responding to the people who are suffering. What is our Government’s place and where are the resources because we have totally ignored people impacted by the Covid-19,” she said.
She said there were no platforms where people who were suffering could go and vent and share their stories to.
“How can we as a nation forget this 100,000 plus people who have been impacted by Covid and cyclones.”
Meanwhile, questions sent to the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum on February 15 remained unanswered when this edition went to press last night.
