DEPUTY Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says The People’s Alliance party (PAP) will head into the next election focused on rebuilding Fiji’s economy, strengthening democratic institutions and laying the foundations for a more digitally enabled Government.
In an interview on The Fiji Times online portal, The Lens @177, he acknowledged that the Coalition Government, formed with the National Federation Party and SODELPA, had not always communicated its achievements effectively.
Mr Kamikamica said the coalition had delivered what he described as “true democracy” and freedom of speech while tackling issues that had previously received limited attention.
He pointed to HIV as an example, saying the issue had now become a national conversation and required Government to work closely with communities.
Mr Kamikamica also reflected on his time overseeing the communications portfolio, describing the sector as poorly resourced and lacking stable leadership when he took over.
He said the Government moved quickly to strengthen key institutions, including the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji, by appointing substantive leaders and establishing stronger governance structures.
“Right now, the communications industry is now better managed.”
Cybersecurity was another area he said had moved from planning to implementation.
Mr Kamikamica said a strategy developed under the previous Government in 2017 had seen little action, while the Coalition had since developed cybersecurity infrastructure and a new strategy.
He also highlighted the National Digital Strategy, which he said provides a framework for transforming the way Government delivers services.
He believes the changes will have a significant impact on how Fijians interact with Government in the coming years.
“Government in five to ten years will look very different.”
He said the long-term goal was for more government services and applications to be delivered online, making services more accessible while improving efficiency.
