Fijians have waited long enough. This Budget must not be filled with big speeches and fancy promises. People want real action 鈥 now.
Across the country, life has become too hard. Food prices are out of reach, power bills are rising, and water is still not reaching many homes.
Families are struggling, children are missing school, and jobs are too few. Public safety is a worry as drugs and crime increase. Health services are stretched, teachers are leaving, and transport is unreliable. Even our buses and ferries are no longer comfortable or safe.
The e-ticketing system is a daily struggle for many 鈥 confusing, slow, and often unfair. In many areas, water pressure is low, reservoirs are not improving, and electricity remains expensive.
Add to this the fast rise of Artificial Intelligence and cybercrime. Students don鈥檛 have the tools they need.
Parents don鈥檛 know how to protect their children online. Fiji must invest in safe, smart digital growth before we are left behind.
People are tired of government waste and excuses.
鈥淟ife is getting expensive,鈥 says 21-year-old Nandini Lata of Makoi.
鈥淚 hope the Government reduces the cost of food, bus fares, and basic needs.鈥 Many agree.
鈥淲e want food prices to decrease,鈥 said Waisea Makulau of Labasa.
鈥淲e want a drop in VAT,鈥 added Amy Subam of Naitasiri.
Gyanendra Nath, a sugarcane farmer, hopes for 鈥渕ore assistance schemes and a cane price of $150 per tonne.鈥
Vendors like Ekari Radaga want lower stall fees.
Others, like Makelesi Ditua, want more grants for women in business.
Health and education are key issues.
鈥淲e need more medicine, more doctors, and more education scholarships,鈥 said Nandini.
Karaorao Maiu, wants salaries raised and Government overseas spending cut.
鈥淔ocus on the problems at home,鈥 she said.
Digital safety must not be ignored. Cyber fraud, AI risks, and online bullying are growing. Government must train, equip, and protect its people in this new digital age. Media and social media literacy must be a priority.
People want fairness, not favours. Clean water. Cheaper goods. Reliable public transport. Safe streets. Better schools and hospitals. Honest leadership.
No more wastage.
Today鈥檚 budget must prove that the Government people had voted for change is listening. Three years have passed. The blame game against the previous government must stop. It鈥檚 embarrassing. The people of Fiji are watching 鈥 and they deserve better.
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