Pandemic impact Dewan Chand, Suva

The coronavirus pandemic crippled major economies around the world. Fiji also paid a heavy price with tourism. The backbone of the Fijian economy was brought to its knees as our planes stopped flying due to lock-down situations. The hotels remained empty as tourist markets dried up. Tour operators and others associated with the tourist industry were caught unprepared.

However, loss of jobs, reduced hours of work did not dampen our will to survive.

Through Government assistance, help from the Fiji National Provident Fund and personal resourcefulness Fijians fought back to ensure that their families had food on their tables.

Hectic backyard gardening started and many started new ventures to earn their living. Many went back to their villages to work on their family farms. There are many success stories to tell.

Therefore, it is so heartening to know that the Government will assist sugarcane farmers in paying their premium for the Bundled Insurance Scheme.

This will cushion the adverse effect of the pandemic. Also, we must remember that the hurricane season is around the corner and the farmers will be protected from any adverse effects of natural disasters.

Further, the Prime Minister has launched the Youth Farm Initiative scheme. This will enable the youth to work on their own farms for a living. The produce from these farms can be sold in markets and this will add to the family income, thus guaranteeing food sustainability and channeling youth energy into productive work. There would be less likelihood of youth getting involved in criminal activities.

Fijians can proudly depend on such progressive policies of our Government to tackle the adverse impact of the pandemic.