Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has leveled strong criticism against the government, accusing it of mismanaging the economy, which is causing ordinary families to suffer from escalating food prices and deteriorating public services. Usamate emphasized that effective governance requires “clinical precision,” yet he claims that the current administration has neglected the fundamental issues contributing to the economic decline.
He highlighted the failure of the government to confront the core problems, stating, “The law is a straight line and governance is about clinical precision. Instead of that we see a Government that lacks the gumption to address the root causes of this economic drift.” Usamate pointed out what he perceives as policy inconsistencies and questioned the condition of the country’s infrastructure and service delivery.
“Having dry taps and broken roads in 2026 while food prices skyrocket is proof that this administration is more interested in political survival than in actual service delivery,” he asserted. His remarks reflect a concern for the everyday experiences of citizens, particularly as they face increasing economic pressures.
In seeking solutions, Mr. Usamate expressed his commitment to reforming the “machinery of the state” through technical discipline and structural changes. “We do not need more history lessons or excuses about the past. We need a forward-looking solution,” he stated, signaling his intent to prioritize actionable reforms.
He proposed a restructuring of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and implementing targeted price stabilization measures to alleviate the financial burden on households. “We will restructure VAT on essential goods so families can breathe again and we will pair it with targeted price stabilisation measures that protect the kitchen table, not the bureaucracy,” Usamate said.
Concluding on a hopeful note, he stressed that Fiji’s challenges, while serious, are not beyond repair. “Fiji is not broken but it has been mismanaged and that mismanagement is reversible. We need leadership that understands that every cent taken from a family grocery bag is a failure of governance,” he remarked. This perspective underscores a belief in the potential for positive change through effective leadership and policy adjustments.