Extreme Poverty in Fiji

Extreme Poverty in Fiji

Sun, 4 Feb 2001 10:39:03 +1200

PEOPLE'S COALITION GOVERNMENT, FIJI visit our website: http://www.pcgov.org.fj Issue No: 442 4 February 2001

Extreme Poverty in Fiji - Academic

A University of the South Pacific academic says that 42% of Fiji's population suffers from extreme poverty.

Joseph Veramu, a lecturer at USP and the President of the Fiji Community Education Association says in an article published today in Sunday Sun, writes:

"in spite of the tourist brochures touting Fiji as a place with romantic swaying iun the cool breeze and a paradise-like environment, the reality is that many people are poor and face hardships in meeting their basic needs. Extreme poverty in Fiji n 2000 was estimated at 42% of the population. Twenty percent of Fiji's urban families live in .in single room[s]".

While it is not clear which data source does Veramu rely on, the fact is that poverty in Fiji has escalated since 19 May. Prices of basic items have risen significantly since the Qarase regime usurped power, and thousands of workers have lost their jobs. Many thousands more have had their working hours reduced and have suffered wage cuts.

ENDS

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