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