PM: Government will not rebuild churches

The government is not in the position of rebuilding churches and halls as it is unfair to rebuild Christian churches and not those belonging to other religious organisations.

The Prime Minister and Minister of iTaukei Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama updated Parliament on rebuilding churches and halls in cyclone affected areas.

BAINIMARAMA: “I respect the important role that religion plays in our lives. We are a multi-faith country and Fijians practice many faiths and are protected under the constitution to practice their faiths.  That means giving no preference to any religion so that all can co-exist. Government is not in the position of rebuilding which churches to rebuilding, it is unfair to rebuild Christian churches and not the others.”

Opposition MP Hon. Mosese Bulitavu asked the Prime Minister a parliamentary question.

BULITAVU: “Can the Prime Minister inform the House as to why Government will not assist in rebuilding churches and village Cyclone Winston?”

PM Bainimarama said Fiji was not a Christian state and priority for the government was to rebuild homes and schools.

BAINIMARAMA: “We do not favour any religion. My government’s priority is to rebuild buildings that benefit all Fijians, our schools, our homes, hospitals and others.”

Opposition member Hon. Mosese Bulitavu urged the government to develop an ‘Adopt a Village’ scheme and that the Prime Minister reconsider his government’s policy.

PM Bainimarama restated that the priority for the government was to rebuild homes and schools that will benefit all Fijians and not a particular group.