Government policies highlighted
GOVERNOR-GENERAL Ratu Sir George Cakobau’s speech to Parliament in 1979 outlined a wide range of Government policies. This was highlighted in The Fiji Times on Tuesday, May 8, 1979.
On money matters, came the promise that there would be quick action on acceptable recommendations of the Financial Review Committee.
Ratu Sir George said while the tripartite forum and the Ministry of Labour would continue to oversee labour relations the Government would review migration policy in the wake of recommendations of a parliamentary select committee.
In the area of management of agricultural output, the Government recognised the trends in expanded sugar production, severe cuts in copra and progress in ginger, cocoa, rice and livestock.
Ratu Sir George said tree planting would be encouraged, fish exports were expected to reach $20 million while beche-de- mer, pawns and carp farming was to be developed.
Government planned to see the yielding of a million gallon of water a day from an underground supply in Nadi.
For Fijians, there was the offer of preferential treatment from the Business Opportunity and Management Advisory Service.
Further development would see the introduction of a duty-free industrial zone Bill and a fair trade practices Bill to Parliament.
Ratu Sir George said the cooperatives would be promoted.
To improve telecommunications, a permanent training complex was to be built along with a new exchange at Nasinu and the installation of radio telephone equipment at 10 rural sites.
Road and air communications was to be advanced with work on a road around Vanua Levu and plans to build four or five small airports.
In the area of housing, the Government assured that it would strive to meet housing targets, while the Housing Authority came under examination by the University of South Pacific "to ensure its effective operation in a way consistent with the housing objectives of the country, Ratu Sir George said.