Some interesting things are happening in Fiji with the election of a Labour Government. They have reinstated several hundred employees sacked from the privatised Nadi International Airport, and are facing down rumblings that threaten to repeat the military coup that overthrew the last Labour Government there. Bill Rosenberg ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 08:38:59 +1200 From: Journ12 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: 2135 ECONOMY: Chaudhry pledges to cut Fiji's food bills To: Pasifik Nius <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Organization: Journalism, University of the South Pacific Title -- 2135 ECONOMY: Chaudhry pledges to cut Fiji's food bills Date -- 27 May 1999 Byline -- Maika Bolatiki Origin -- Pasifik Nius Source-- Fiji Daily Post, 27/5/99 Copyright -- DP Status -- Abridged ------------------- I'LL CUT FOOD BILLS, SAYS CHAUDHRY SUVA: Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry promised to reduce Fiji's food bill yesterday as he revealed plans that would close the economic gap between the rich and the poor, the Daily Post reports. And the new premier targets tightening up of tax laws, lowering interest on housing loans, improving health care and educational opportunities, removal of VAT and customs duty on essential food items. Mr Chaudhry said the removal of VAT and customs duty from essential food items will cost the government F$30 million in lost revenue. However, he said government had worked out ways and means of recouping its losses. "It will tighten up on taxation and tax collection laws." This, he said, would "rake in" enough money to offset any shortfall on government revenue. The former government had predicted that it would cost government between $80 million and $100 million in loss revenue. "As promised in the election campaign, my government will do just that," Mr Chaudhry said. He said his government was also looking at: * Reviewing taxation on savings. * Raising allowances for dependents. * Providing social security for the aged and destitute. * Bringing down interest on housing loans. He said his government had a new direction in which low income earners would improve their lifestyle. +++niuswire This document is for educational and research use only. Recipients should seek permission from the copyright source before reprinting. PASIFIK NIUS service is provided by the niusedita via the Journalism Program, University of the South Pacific. Please acknowledge Pasifik Nius: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/nius/index.html
