A fundamental Budget

Sailesh Singh, Cunningham Rd, Suva I don't agree with Professor Naidu that the 2018-2019 National Budget fails to provide support to those living below the poverty line.

But I agree that the amount allocated to the security forces is a bit over the top.

Naidu frets about national debt, quality of policies and programmes, overseas and local contractors, etc, - but his analysis and concerns are misplaced.

First, let's cut the chit-chat and agree that Naidu's viewpoint is clearly in line with those of the Opposition.

Secondly, Naidu fails to analyse an important and fundamental aspect of the budget i.e. equipping those below the poverty level.

Arming citizens with tools to succeed is what makes the current Bainimarama government stand out.

Sure, I worry about the policies and programmes that provide equal direct welfare schemes to the Fijian community, but let's also worry that no previous Fijian government ever did that.

Let's worry about those who spend only a handful of quality time with their family and the rest of the day working for employers without any real benefits.

Let's worry about those that are willing to do anything to stop progress.

Lastly, income inequality continues to grow and this budget makes an effort to pull people out of poverty.

There have been experiments to help people pull out of poverty by various organisations or governments in Finland, Italy, Uganda, Cambodia, India and now United States. I say let's sing praises because unless someone makes an effort we won't know if it worked. ■ SAILESH SINGH is the Letter of the Week Winner for Week 1.