INDIGENOUS Fijians have been wrongly labelled as “resourcerich but poor”, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and it’s a label they must reject.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Mr Rabuka said iTaukei communities earned significant income from various sources.
“Indigenous Fijians receive $100million annually from TLTB onlease and royalties, $1.07billion from remittances, which is 80 per cent of the total of $1.34 billion received, an estimated $350m from wages and salaries,” he said.
He cited fresh data from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB).
“The iTaukei Per Capita Resources and Landuse Income Survey Result given to me by iTLTB on the 9th of this month puts the figure at $F6368.10 (including remittances received) or $F4562.23 (excluding remittances) and $F4394.78 when core income streams only are considered.”
He noted all three income levels exceeded the national poverty threshold of $F2190 per annum.
“These figures and trends reflect not only the resilience of these income sources, but also the increasing purchasing power of the iTaukei in Fiji’s economy.”
However, only 5 per cent was directed to savings and investments.
“To sustain and enhance this progress and progress it must; it is imperative that strategic policies and new initiatives are implemented to further empower the iTaukei economically.
“To conquer poverty, we can, and we must be strategic in the way we use our resources.
“The longerterm prosperity, unity and stability must not be sacrificed for the short-term gains.”
