A-G Calls for Cohesion of Associations
We are urging all to work together, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum adds.
Minister for Economy and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is calling on groups involved with people with special needs in Fiji to work together. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum made this call during the 2018-2019 National Budget Consultation at the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons (FNCDP) hall in Suva yesterday. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said there was a need for all associations to work together in order to have more transparency when budget submissions would be made for the Government to look into.
He said a lot of disconnectivity in this area was seen and it was critical that persons with special needs worked together for their own benefit.
“We have seen different dynamics from those in Ba, Lautoka and Nadi.”
He said there were now proper laws in place, the convention had been ratified and disability allowances were now accessible. “And for us to get proper data and be able to give more funding, we need to ensure we have accountability too.
“We are urging all to work together with each other.” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said there was a great need for a cohesive approach because it would help in investments.
“All should sit under one umbrella, to listen to different schools and to know what other schools are doing to avoid duplication.”
Frank Hilton Organisation chief executive officer Sureni Perera called on all associations for people with special needs to consider the need for cohesion and that the Fijian Government could not take the responsibility alone.
“Responsibilities cannot be left alone for the Government to do, we also need to work in cohesion, that’s a huge obligation implied for all of us. “Cohesion is the key element.”
However, Ms Perera said it was sometimes difficult to approach Government departments to work with them. Meanwhile, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum was hailed the champion for albinism and disability at the consultation yesterday.