I am not sure whether the public is convinced on the arguments put forwarded by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on the need for a new development plan.
Sitiveni Rabuka claims “the five-Year and 20-Year NDP launched in 2017 by the previous government has become obsolete due to unattainable targets, which are inflexible in responding to multifaceted challenges which include geostrategic priorities, climate change, adverse weather conditions, and changes in political mandate.
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“One of the key difficulties in achieving the strategic priorities of the 5-Year and 20-Year development plans launched in 2017 is the lack of a coordinated and cross-sectoral approach to policy monitoring and evaluation following the closure and dis-establishment of the Strategic Planning Office by the previous government.”
Can the Government provide more analysis and specific details on where these are wanting and how these gaps will be fulfilled?
The arguments for a short-term plan is probably justifiable as the last one’s time frame was 2017 – 2022.
But what is wrong with the plans set out in the longer term 20-year horizon, which sets out long terms aspirations and seems to cover most development dimensions for the country?
The arguments are even more startling when one notes that Government has not yet espoused any coherent policy settings in many important areas such as foreign policy, economic development, governance, law and order, climate change, environment, security, health, education, agriculture, marine, forestry etc.
As is evident from the pronouncements by various ministers, there has been little thought and analysis put into policies that would help with overarching national development goals.
Many of these seem to be merely reactive, trying to vilify the FF policies but providing little in the way of alternatives.
The results are costly exercises that are proving burdensome to taxpayers.
This is borne out by the admission of the cost to investigate the previous Chief Justice, for example.
We have hand-picked people, who are friends of ministers and supporters of relevant parties, being appointed to carry out tasks such as serve on education commission, local government, sugar industry, fiscal policy, foreign missions, boards etc.
Now, we have yet more of the ministers’ confidants appointed to lead such important projects.
Are there no other people in the country qualified to be consulted?
We had external experts hoisted on the country from places like Monash University to do the review of the education sector and lead work on other projects.
It seems this is yet another attempt to divert attention from the real issues, which are now facing the country.
Is it surprising therefore that the level of emigration, brain drain, and skills shortage is now reaching epidemic proportions?
The people are voting with their feet as the country is becoming a heaven for expatriates.
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