The revelation that the iTaukei make up most of Fiji’s poorest is cause for concern. Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu believes they need to look at themselves, “to get out of poverty”.
“It has been said that we are poor people,” Mr Vasu said.
“But I have yet to see that. Those that are living in poverty on our land are choosing to be poor. They want to be poor.”
Now that is a pretty revealing thing to say!
It will touch emotions.
There will obviously be scepticism and opposition to the statement. However, in some quarters, there will be acknowledgement of the reality on the ground, giving credibility to what Mr Vasu is suggesting.
iTaukei Trust Fund Board CEO Aisake Taito is on the record saying about 70 per cent of Fijians living under the poverty line were iTaukei.
Studies, he said, suggest 70 per cent of those living in poverty were iTaukei, and they were “the poorest among the poor”.
“It is true what the minister said that a lot of those that are poor are choosing to be poor. Maybe because we are not making use of our resources, or we are not enquiring with the different government agencies, or we are not working together to develop our resources.”
Mr Vasu talks about initiatives such as the Vuda Strategic Development plan that are designed to ensure the iTaukei were able to take themselves out of poverty.
There will be two sides to this debate. The key here is the fact that Mr Vasu is stimulating discussions on a very important topic.
It is about resource management, and initiative!
It is about understanding and appreciating what’s on offer for resource development, and for initiatives focused on improving the lives and welfare of the iTaukei.
The key, again as we mentioned, is appreciating what is on offer and how to manage our way through that.
As we have said, the issue isn’t just about poverty. It is also about changing mindsets and approaches surrounding it!
So, far from placing blame here, we hope there is a challenge that calls for engagement and a shift in the way people think.
The minister’s statement is a powerful reminder for us to appreciate that while there are supporting mechanisms available, initiative and the willingness to act is important as well.
Real change must start from within us. There has to be education, co-operation, initiative and resource management.
Again, as we raised above, there are two sides to this discussion on poverty!
And Mr Vasu is stimulating an important conversation. He is challenging the norm, pointing out the reality, and provoking reflection and accountability!
With all things considered, we need this conversation!
