George Shiu Raj sworn in again
Ra parliamentarian George Shiu Raj was again sworn in today as the Minister responsible for the Multi-Ethnic portfolio.
Following his swearing in by Acting President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi at Government House, Mr Raj said that he was happy to
be back on the job and thankful to the Prime Minister for his continued faith in him.
“I would like thank the leader of the nation the Prime Minister, the government the people of Fiji and especially the
vanua of Ra and Naitasiri for having confidence in me.
“I’m back again on a public chair and at the end of the day it's the work that we do that counts.”
Mr Raj said that he would do his best during the time left him in this term with regards to the Ministry’s core
functions – scholarships, community development projects and cultural enhancement.
And he said he would like to see more allocation in next years budget for the MEA scholarship scheme.
“I would like to see policies improved on so that every disadvantaged family at least has one student awarded the
scholarship.
“Education is very very important and I need to see that one sibling in one family gets a scholarship not only in the
Indian community, not only to the minority community but also in the Fijian community. Because education will broaden up
communication and reconcile people the right way.”
Similarly Mr Raj said he would like to see that by the end of this year every settlement under the multi-ethnic ministry
is being allocated a development project.
“Each and every settlement in Fiji must at least have one assistance given by the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs,
especially in settlements that did not receive any assistance during the last four years, I want see this done when I
get into office,” he said.