FIJI is not a “beggar country”, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as he rejected social media critics who say Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Prof Biman Prasad, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, were approaching Fiji’s development partners with “begging bowls”.
He said Fiji has earned its place among nations, perhaps ‘punching above its own weight’, through its history of global engagement.
“Fiji has played its part in global conflicts of the past, as it continues to play its part in peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts today,” he said.
He acknowledged that while Fiji remained a small developing economy, it had a strong record of standing alongside global powers in past world wars, Commonwealth conflicts, and the United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“We are not beggars,” he said.
Mr Rabuka also called on Parliament to be a space where productive debates and ideas drive national progress, urging leaders to work in the best interests of the people.
He also encouraged young Fijians to strive for a brighter and more prosperous future.
“Let us be bold in our aspirations, relentless in our pursuit of excellence, and unwavering in our commitment to build a better Fiji that thrives through unity and prosperity.”
He said Fiji, like the rest of the world, was navigating economic challenges but expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome them.
“We live in challenging times. The whole world is experiencing the same phenomenon.
“No one is spared from these challenges.”
