PM Shines Again When It Comes to Children
The ePassport launch on Thursday at Walu Bay in Suva was a perfect event.
Perfect because the organisers lined up five children as first recipients of the new ePassport. And guess who loved it? Of course, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
It made his day.
His body language said it all - he was absolutely delighted.
Nothing makes him happier than seeing our children being included and involved in modern developments.
Mr Bainimarama chatted with the children, even cracked jokes and kissed them on the head.
After they jointly cut the celebratory cake, some of them could hardly take their eyes off the big cake. He lit up their eyes when he told them “this cake is for you.”
After the formalities and during refreshments, Mr Bainimarama looked for the children to give them some cake slices.
He made sure that he personally gave the plate to them as he promised.
No surprises there. Those who have followed Mr Bainimarama in his civilian life after his military career know that he has a soft spot for children.
His Government policies are built around children, young people and families. Initiatives like the:
$1000 for parents of newborn babies from the low socio-economic group;
Family Care Leave – that allows family members to take care of their loved ones for five days;
Paternity Leave – that allows fathers to take five days to care for their babies and wives;
Maternity Leave has been increased from 84 to 98 days giving working mothers more time to stay home and nurse their babies;
Weet-Bix and milk for Year One primary school students;
Free school fees for primary and secondary school students. It relieves parents of a financial burden in the education cost. It helps to ensure that no child is left behind;
Free school bus fares contribute towards the same goal; and
The National Toppers Scheme and the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) allow students to pursue tertiary education.
Mr Bainimarama’s philosophy is about building for the future – that the children of today will become future leaders.
It’s no secret that he loves his children and grandchildren. He is passionate about their welfare and wellbeing. When he gets a break from his busy schedule he tries to spend time with them.
It’s this passion that drives him to do what he does. He regards all children his grandchildren too.
In any public engagement, he will seize the opportunity to meet the children.
The ePassport launch on September 19 was no exception.