THE PACIFIC WAY STORY - Struggling for a better Living, Squatters in Fiji

The Pacific Way team travel around the Country looking at squatters and poverty in Fiji. This story seeks to demystify the reason why there are so many squatters in Fiji today and analyses government efforts to reduce their numbers.

[@inokenaioko4302]

Mostly for Fijian families,the main reason of moving to the town and cities from village is giving the kids opportunities for better education,better health service and so on.I believe they wouldn’t make that move if it weren’t for that.So to avoid that drift,avoid overcrowding,avoid poor living standards.The government needs to invest in education and proper healthcare in villages.And to our Indian brothers who’ve been removed from land due to land expiring,Shamima mention something very good there,the government has to provide nets,5 years before lease expires the GOVERNMENT has to step in and ask,what’s the plan when the lease expires?,if there is none than work with the family to get one in place.They do have the right to better living as much as anyone else.😢😢

[@elisapetaseumanutafa1098]

All over the world 🌎, they show how beautiful Fiji 🇫🇯 is without knowing the abusive of Fijian Indian, and how they live in this disgusting land,very poor people are being mistreated by Fijian people , I feel very sorry about these Indian people 😢 hopefully 🙏 they have a kind heart to share with Indian people,

[@Rick-jh7di]

Why blaming the Fijian people? Poverty is everywhere.

[@JosefaRarasea]

The expirey of sugarcane land lease,now the problem is the sugar industry is struggling, new farmers cannot do the job of the experienced ones in squatters settlement

[@damayantiram2096]

Iam very heart broken seeing this , because I very well know the feelings of these people, am from Sigatoka area not far from town, my father was 19 yeas old when he built a house at lower land, all together there was 4.5 acres including the house and half acre of hill . After the first coup, the house was taken by fijians where dad asked for time to build another house on the hill . Within 3 years we moved to the house on top of hill, we faced lots of difficulties but managed. Dad passed away in 1993 and mum was living there alone and managing the sugar farm which was all reserved. Then second coup 2000, came along , and mum came to stay with my sister in Suva as Fijians were harassing mum being a widow would throw stones at night and rattle windows and doors and same people would come in day time eat and chat with mum. Mum stayed in Suva for weeks and fijians of the same village broke into the house and started staying in our house. We went to the house to beg them to at least give mums clothes and sentimental values eg albums and photographs but they did not let us even enter the house, Later mum went under depression and moved to Australia, had high BP, depression, later dementia always thinking of the house built by dad and us . She never recovered from that moment as she went to Suva with only a few clothes and the house had all belongings as is where is all electrical appliances, dinner sets of royal albert, royal dulton ,clothes ,everything that a house contains. All our memories were there and we neve could take out anything , everything was taken from us. In 2014 mum passed away still grieving about her house and the sentimental values it held for her and us all. Now if you look at the house it has burned down only concrete walls standing, all around is jungle and such a fertile land is a bush with big rain trees where dad used to harvest 180 to 200 tons of sugarcane,no idea what was the purpose of taking the house and land when now its all vacant holding no purpose, it is everywhere , all land taken away from indian farmers now there is hardly anything growing. Such is the story of people in Fiji, why it was done and what they got out of it no idea. Hopefully people of Fiji get together and start a fresh and the Government shows some empathy to these people and not only sit behind the desk and just talk.

[@jasminebi359]

Very sad.

[@3385711]

The landowners are dumb. There is better life overseas. Fiji is good for visits

[@alexiscolby9415]

You paint the Fijian's with one brush...I am sure you would hate for Fijian's to do the same with indian's I'm sure.

[@nehsymsubhanmuhammed9680]

So sad to hear 😪😌... especially when you n ur mom could not get your valuable things from that house.

[@JosefaRarasea]

So sorry ❤❤❤

[@macvatu]

While politicians are living a luxurious life style in Suva, only a few miles away ten of thousands of Fijian citizens are struggling against poverty while living in hovels and run-down huts. Its not as if Fiji is overpopulated, just 3/4million if at all. Surely proper housing schemes should be the Government's priority. There are thousands of unemployed young men and women, why not train them in house building e.g. bricklaying, carpentry, welding etc etc and employ them to build houses for the people? Further, Fiji has a well-trained Armed Forces, why not employ them to help build houses, roads and bridges to help better the lives of her citizens? The Fiji Army is often employed abroad, Middle East, Lebanon and Africa, why indeed can't they be employed right there at Home, looking after No1 first and foremost. Come on Mr President and Prime Minister, your help is urgently needed !!

[@pierrelouis8188]

When your country politicians partying with the Imperialists that how your peoples suffer.

[@macvatu]

+Pierre Louis . . . .I understand what you're saying Pierre but this problem has been there since the Brits were running the place. Better houses made of bricks and mortar to last for hundreds of years like they have in UK could have solved the problems. But alas the Brits have come and gone while Fiji stays the same. Its not as if Fijians can't build good houses, they certainly have transformed Suva City, Nadi, Lautoka etc in recent years. Now is the time to clear out the Squatters' Camp and bring some civility and decency to these down-trodden people.

[@CrimZaGhe]

AGREE 100% STEP UP AND TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE. Gotta start somewhere right?

[@gafoorhardwood3353]

Vinaka

[@vitobaleinadogo8973]

Government spends too much money on the Army and Police. Education, Heath, infrastructure and housing is much more important.

[@shahdevshah4945]

Tithes should be directed to helping the poor directly !!! not through a NGO of a religious sect...

[@Law19157]

Church's are the most charitable organizations in Fiji

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

Tell that to your pastor and watch him shit bricks

[@imtmvm9107]

@Samala Ekaailouulu Yeah, I don't think so. "Fake Church-Based NGO" will not be well received once people hear about it. With all due respect, it is no use trying to help if the country is already in debt, to the most powerful countries in the world. Only thing you can do is educate the younger generation spiritually and academically, so that they can have a better standard of living, and hopefully, be wise enough to get us out of this mess.

[@imtmvm9107]

@Samala Ekaailouulu Fair enough. Although, I do have to disagree on what you said about spiritual education not doing anything. I do believe that God can take us out of this mess, of course not without us doing the work first. Anyway, I might have to start doing something about this whole Fiji-is-neck-deep-in-debt situation.

[@imtmvm9107]

@Samala Ekaailouulu Yes, you are mostly right. Idk if you are a citizen of Fiji or not, but I understand your concern. This is an issue that has been ongoing since forever, and the gov has not even addressed it, much less done something about it. There's a whole lot more happening in the gov than we both know. As for now, I am just waiting for the next election and looking for potential leaders that will someday better, the current living standards of Fiji. Have a blessed day :)

[@jetsiomanuna3761]

Fiji is or should be one of the wealthiest country in the Pacific, you've had a tourism boom for many years, a thriving sugar industry not sure what's happened there and with a huge population sending million's of dollars back home from oversea's it really should be in better shape then it is. this is very sad.

[@arthurwellesley5350]

Its the city life they after the idiots

[@newlifefood1158]

@basant vimal sharma we native Fijian have our villages but the native common Fijian don't own the land it's the Chiefs of Fiji we tend the land just like indo Fijian

[@newlifefood1158]

@basant vimal sharma I don't understand people are so stupid they think we native commoner Fijian own the land their dumb us native Fijian are just slaves to our chiefs same with us indo Fijian a lot my family are mix I'm native Fijian I know the system back home I'm just great full to chiefs for letting us developed our country when I'm overseas I'm no slave to anybody.

[@newlifefood1158]

@basant vimal sharma I'm greatful to any government who puts us first I just want the best for all of us vinaka

[@kaiikadavu6854]

Don't talk about things that you don't know as it makes you look like a fool. Native lands are owned by the native fijians whether you're a commoner or a chief. Land is registered under a mataqali name so its owned by a mataqali, not by chiefs

[@shiunaresh1141]

I used to live in squatter settlement in Nadi life was tough

[@jamesgclef4901]

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. ⁴Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ⁵Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth. ⁶Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ⁷Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ⁸Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ⁹Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. ¹¹Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12

[@slingeries]

Amen

[@edrinasingh]

This video made me emotional. I am a indo fijian. Living in Canada now. May god help you guys in every step. God bless

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

Ohhhhhhhhhh did you live the slums toooo! is this why ur sad?

[@edrinasingh]

@@thvtsydneylyf3th077 No I didn't but Fiji is the place where I was born. So I hv that emotional connection that's all.

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

@@edrinasingh ohk thats fair, you should visit soon tho

[@timothyzakaria7397]

​@@edrinasingh I have a Fijian father but I have been homeless for a long time I was adopted. I could really use help I was born in the US. I found out I was Fijian and I am learning this culture today

[@ramkesh2521]

Hi babe

[@sharonzennetta8562]

The Church should use the money to help the people and assist in building houses. The Government is Evil shame on them.

[@Chris21Taioalo]

Sad😘 Stay strong Fiji my pacific brothers, alofas from Samoa💙

[@salotedilewataleiveisamasa1047]

We Appreciate the support from our island brothers. :)

[@yuriboyka6943]

Vinaka

[@JosefaRarasea]

Bula bro,thanks for the love❤

[@Autobotjazz11]

I’m Indo Fijian, been in NZ for over 32 years. For that we feel grateful. Racial divide in Fiji comes from corrupt people and poor governance. Taking land back is pointless as the land lies vacant. Better to have blocks of crown land available or pay the Fijian landowners a fair price via a crown assistance programme. It’s not so difficult if the government wants to intervene but it’s impossible if they sit back and look after themselves only.

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

August House Of clowns 😂

[@maheshwaran5995]

This is really sad the government should look for ways to improve the living conditions of the people

[@lisaotruba8974]

Fiji is beautiful on the most part but this is the tragic part of Fiji and really sad!!!!! I am from Fiji livingb in America and when I lived in Fiji some people were even squatting on Edinborouh( cant spell this oops) Drive next to Suva and i thought very sad even then and they were told to move as they werent allowed to live there very sad!!!!

[@megashine5142]

Government should do something about this. the population of the nation is not even one million

[@toofbar3]

Fiji needs to quit the Socialism. Its the reason why the country has done so poorly. To all Indians living in Fiji, get yourself a passport and get out of there. 16:32 - Typical Indian Entrepreneur, you great boy need to get yourself a passport and move to NZ, Australia or UK. You will be a multimillionaire!

[@enemoelasi7449]

Thank God my beloved Samoa have no squatters 🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸😳😳

[@dhanrajmohan701]

Public comments. God created this world for all human being to enjoy life but greed and power destroy the love and respect and care for humanity. Sad but god is almighty and he is watching every thing 🙏 amen . He will definitely put an end to this matter now.

[@bhramdeo7698]

Is so sad to see the residence of the paradise living in poverty despite having so much productive land that could be distributed to the needy for cultivation and generation of income.

[@kumarjadu]

I agree 100%

[@keahithefieryone8513]

You will find that all over the Pacific, even in Hawaii, even if its the 50th State of the Union and well off, pockets of poverty is everywhere in the rural areas of the island even in the Appalachian Mountains of the U.S., they are cut off from the outside world

[@JosefaRarasea]

So trues ❤

[@nova8360]

So, if the landowners haven't renewed the leases how are they making a living?. From what I heard some 13,000 leases were NOT renewed. RENEW THE LEASES HALF THE PROBLEM SOLVED !!

[@riteshjaglall1092]

Yes I didn't really know why they wouldn't renew the leases

[@SIngignoli]

Probably so they can sell the property to big land developers, or in the hands of the govt. & when the coupe happened, the leases lost the leases. I am sick and tired of people from other countries taking advantage of indigenous peoples!!! No reason for such poverty, given the years of the tourist industry & the beauty of Fiji. Shame on the people running the country. No wonder there has been unrest here.

[@kavitalata6065]

It can go to housing for large amounts of money

[@draganserdar8140]

hard life of this people,life is not easy in fiji,if you dont have job,house,how you can survive,.pity this people,.hard life,so hard

[@tomledua736]

I challenge fijian people live in overseas if we can help them

[@ilaitiarakadrudru8464]

sa dina ... how can you help?

[@michellemaumau2658]

+Tom Ledua My husband would love to volunteer, He's in construction and can build homes out of trash or dirt.

[@JosefaRarasea]

Most of my people in the squatters are men of all trade give them a proper land they can built they own block house ❤

[@sunnykhan693]

My wife is Fijian it's hard for them give me land,, THEY ARE MORE AND MORE LAND IN FIJI ,, WE INDIAN LIVING IN FIJI 136 YEARS AND,,, BORN IN FIJI,, BUT NO FREE,,, SEA OR LAND,,, SEA LEASE FOR ONE YEAR,, LAND 30 YEARS OR 50 YEARS OR 99YEARS LEASE,,THIS GOVERNMENT IS VERY GOOD VERY IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT TO ALL PEOPLE OF THE FIJI SINCE 2007 THEY TRY THE BEST,,AND IN 2008 I BUY A LEASE LAND 99YEARS,, I'M NOT SURE WHAT NEXT FOR MY FAMILY

[@moekidipinok2162]

Tons of love from jakarta indonesia!

[@JosefaRarasea]

Thanks bro❤

[@dhanrajmohan701]

Public comments. Leaders have to realize that people is the source of energy and help to develop any country effectively. Proper management and effective balance and understand economic system allowing better quality of life. Education and experience play a vital part of success. Set a goal and work to achieve it is important.

[@gwendahgray3355]

You’re not alone Fiji , my country Solomon island is going through the same thing.

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

solomons have minerals, stop complaining

[@johnwilliamifumaoma4318]

@@thvtsydneylyf3th077 solomon islands have minerals it also has corrupt leaders

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

@@johnwilliamifumaoma4318 that you voted for, again stop complaining

[@johnwilliamifumaoma4318]

@@thvtsydneylyf3th077 I ain't complaining simply telling it how it is

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

@@johnwilliamifumaoma4318 excellent. It’s better to own ur shit than complain about something. Especially when you did it to urself

[@hoskindavid5621]

Png is in the same boat...

[@youkanyoukang230]

Yeah but their settlement looks better

[@randyeels8356]

Not only png.....other rich countries.... i think fiji is far more better way of living ...only government never think of them

[@ebaysingh09]

I am very inclined to do my share. But may I say poverty and homelessness is not only a Fiji problem. The richest country in the world the United States is dealing with it too. My work takes me to some sorry parts of Northern California and I get very saddened by the plights of the people living in this area especially the children whose future are doomed

[@garybrunecz7785]

Qatar is the richest country in the world. America is trillions in debt and you somehow believe we are the richest. Just another brainwashed nationalized sheep. I guess as long as we can keep printing money and using military force to make the world use the dollar, then I guess we will always have endless supplies of money. You obviously haven't been to Portland, Detroit, Memphis, Baltimore. New Orleans. Seattle or Los Angeles lately. poverty and homelessness everywhere. Keep telling yourself we are the richest and eventually you will start to believe it. The Middle East OPEC oil kings have more money then you will ever understand. Just take a flight to Dubai and see how poor we really are. We are getting our asses kicked economically by China and others but you nor any blind American can notice it.

[@cheesetoasties9550]

United States is not the richest country...

[@eddietomasi6164]

Bula everyone. I feel that I have a broken heart 💔. I feel so much of our people, I mean all people live in Fiji weather you indigenous and none indigenous. Please Mr prime minister, can you give the land back to our indo brothers for 100yrs to work for there family. Even the indigenous Fijian. Come on man, let's make it fair for everyone.

[@luckhunnandlall7614]

My love to all Indo Fijians and other Fijians who have been badly hit . I'm an Indo Mauritian from Mauritius . We share the same culture , religion etc . Be brave . God bless you.

[@filimonerainibogi8341]

It's not the Fijian Indians only are going through this as it is all Fijian Citizens going through it all..the rights as they all say is ..all about money and politics...sad but it is what it is now get real 💕♥️🙏

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

God doesn't work for you 😅

[@qoriniasituifagalele4981]

Is it a rights issue? In what way? If it is a rights issue, then what mechanisms do you have in place to advocate for rights to have a basic fundamental need of appropriate shelter? Yes, indeed it is a reflection of the economic situation which I believe has been brewing over the years by the lack of action by previous leadership but even moreso, exacerbated by the current leadership...

[@MrCMVikram]

There is no hope for people living in a small country like Fiji. There are no resources, no industry, no hope.

[@mahendrarathi2677]

TRUE

[@rajendarsingh2336]

Many got partly cripple due to expire of land lease .They heavily depended on cane cutting wages or cane income . Political struggle made sugar industries in a verge of collapse . What’s the remedies after sugar industries is not known . Tourism had a nose dive when Covid started and till today fiji has not recovered from this tourist industries .

[@gordonstanleysmith7951]

very sad for Fiji this is what the tourist dont see

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I’ve seen it.

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

True hey, tourism money has destroyed the wrong area

[@elizabethmcleod246]

@@thvtsydneylyf3th077 What do you mean?

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

@@elizabethmcleod246 i mean it was pretty and by now the world wants to see their tourist dollars hard at work but, seems quite the opposite actually

[@meretokataliai1817]

its hurts to see our people living in this conditions while past and presents politicians milking our governments money. bainimarama earns over 3 thousands a day while travelling overseas and watching our national rugby team while they earn less than $200 a week...

[@TheChrisey]

So stop giving them your money and kick them tf out. Do something about it!

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

All government 😜 selfish 😅 corrupt

[@JosefaRarasea]

I concluded myself that it is better to live your life in Fiji and be happy ,accept your situation, think move on and try not to own any land rather than go with the flow ❤

[@josaiawasasala4961]

Social welfare minimum should be $200.00 per month.

[@Peter-zv4dx]

Damn, if i earned less then $200 a day id be considered below average in my country.

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

fuck that, no one can live off that, but , on an island you could

[@tteariki330]

wow.. I notice the date. Is this still and issues today 2021?

[@JosefaRarasea]

2024❤

[@dukemenangoravelsyata1429]

Distribution of wealth.

[@CrimZaGhe]

Some of the happiest people live in the world of poverty. 1. They are mentally stable 2. They are not corrupted by society. 3. They have the best fruit and vegetation. They are spiritually sound. 4. They are healthy( immunity is good) 5. They are content. 6. They have the freedom to just be. 7. They are humble. 8. They are family oriented. 9. They have no real major worries which is good for the soul. 10. They have it made.. Would I live in their conditions..ummmmmm? Yes if I could handle the sanitation..and washing clothes by hand. Every thing else is bliss. Pure survival. Look at it no electricity no radiation waves..killing their bodies. No ignorant neighbors. No hectic traffic. No egotistic society to contend with. No real pollution.. No real concerns bar living( conditions)and employment (opportunities) otherwise spiritually they are in top condition. (Sorry if I'm misunderstood) but my life and conditions is shit I have a house food material possessions horrible neighbors and polluted minded people everywhere.. I love to be in a place where there's coconuts bananas mangoes and taro free range chickens live stock running water the birds and the bees the flowers and the breeze. But most of ALL BEING SURROUNDED BY LOVELY PEOPLE HUMBLE PEOPLE. PEOPLE WHO LIVE LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME. I wish them all the best I pray they get all the love and support they need to lift the standard of living and education. All blessings to these wonderful people.

[@liwimby]

well said!! My partner and i , she is indo-fijian, are planning to make a permanent move to Fiji for the very reasons you outlined. Yes we will have an advantage-taking container full of furniture,car etc, and money that we have accumulated , but we will be far from wealthy, but we will be happy, and free from the shackles of our so called modern society..Peace my friend.

[@sicboi]

That's a very over simplified and broad generalization that ignores the issues that present risks and dangers people in squatter communities face daily. Safety and security of women and children from gender based violence, access to water for sanitation and health reasons is poor to non-existent, and support from centralized education and health services is also weak.

[@slingeries]

sicboi huh

[@shebadynasty8082]

I've give you land if you want.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

@@sicboi Accessing food is a problem to. They cannot afford it.

[@rakeshnidevi6146]

Fiji is very beautiful place to live in and I will support.

[@JosefaRarasea]

Vinaka bro❤

[@chislom4031]

Same in Guyana...any country with westminster style government

[@rajchandra71]

I wish I could like this videos many times. Its very late October 2021. I am a Kaindia. live in Sydney and I spent today with a meteor Waqatairewa. 30 or so years away from home, I am missing my home like anything.

[@JosefaRarasea]

So sorry ❤

[@tomasinailatica9071]

shame on Fiji government no proper plan. really feel sorry for this people.. they just fill their pockets. the people are suffering.

[@lewacyla323]

I love my fiji...stay strong

[@stevenwright9859]

Its npot the govt, but greedy , selfish a d racist chiefs.

[@vitobaleinadogo8973]

Chiefs under the current government have no more power. Indeed They were spoiled in the last one. This Government however does not seem to have a strategy to help the squatters. Some were moved to Waila sometime back. Housing ministry needs to come up with something viable for them. They also have to be employed.

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

How can a small island country fuck its own ppl out of mountains of riches from years and years and years of tourism? I though the country was run by the natives?! Such a huge tourism sportlight and the attention went straight to ur heads - YOU SHOULD BE THE RICHES ISLAND IN THE WORLD, i woulda thought. Answers, i want them now..

[@imtmvm9107]

@@thvtsydneylyf3th077 Can't really say much. Fiji is already doomed, frankly speaking. We are $10B in debt and the current government is not even "trying" to put a salve on it. Recklessly spending money in the sports and tourism industry, without even a care in the world for their people. The younger generation though, in the end, will suffer the most. We will start paying higher taxes to try and pay off the country's debt. Funny how we are just starting on the journey of life, and our paths have already been decided for us.

[@trumpetmano]

Still can't figure how islanders can be considered 'squatters' in their own land...

[@elitenanopacific8885]

❤ we can’t apprehend the struggle these people have been through. Our coup culture/ elite selfish politicians and the educational system has pushed them to do what they can to Survive

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

All government is corrupt practices

[@rocksr01]

I would sell weed to survive...

[@earthsouljah4116]

Vinaka vinaka tei Va Levu

[@elizabethmcleod246]

Kava

[@redrobyn4012]

@Eli Roko Selling weed will make people addicted, sick & struggle to choose between Drugs or Rent, Power, School Fees & Food. Grow a brain, drugs is not a future for children. You are a complete waste of space on this earth, change your ways & contribute to the welfare of your people. Families first.

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

ice sells better in Fiji with red dragon connex

[@mualalaotoma6812]

Yes true we are all same human being and deserve better life support

[@draganserdar8140]

fiji islands can be paradise,in this part of the world,luck of company,business,lack of any sort of job for this people,how to survive,everyone must eat .how,

[@dhanrajmohan701]

Public comments. God will provide for humanity 🙏🙏🙏. Many wasted millions of dollars on space and other things while humanity struggling for life sad . People dumping food while others struggling for life. I pray for humanity 🙏🙏🙏 god will definitely provide 🙏🙏🙏

[@Tiaremoorea13]

Sad to see this condition Fidji needs to take care their people this is not living this is a disaster Because these people have not been educated that they have the rights

[@14marist]

THIS PROBLEM IS NOT NOW IT IS IS 50 YEARS BACK

[@joshjetton9299]

So sad hope all goes well! Special iakwe from the Marshall Islands.

[@friedrichkass1644]

How can be Fiji so poor? Tourism brings a lot of money to them! Billions of dollars flocking every year to Fiji and its 800,000 people! With that small population everybody can be a wealthy citizen!

[@rePenia]

WRONG! stop acting like you know. no economy can thrive on tourism alone.

[@friedrichkass1644]

Why? Turkey is also evolved to a wealthy country with booming economy, because of tourism! They sell cheap, low-quality things to tourist everywhere, but if this brings money to them, why not? Same with Fiji! Turkey is a country of 78 million, whereas Fiji has only 800,000. Fiji has potential, they have educated people there, what about IT technic? Computer software? You must be creativ enough, not to wait for gods help?

[@Hanna5859]

Tourism only benefit those connected to tourism industries, i.e. those with money to invest in businesses serving tourists. People are poor because of the lack of public education and health care. This will take political will.

[@hamishkhan7820]

Money goes overseas most of tha hotels belong to countries overseas they take all tha money and pay peanuts to tha local workers hahahdh

[@ivamoravek924]

Mismanagement !!

[@jasonparr4275]

Look after your backyard!! Tons of love from Australia, Lest we forget!!! Love to Fiji!!!

[@sofiakhan899]

Cheers 2the Pandit Even though he doesn't have a proper house but he is happy This is the spirit Be happy @list we are alive ❤❤

[@JosefaRarasea]

❤❤

[@ha-y-nkinealoha8050]

Please Jesus, Please Bless This Poor People, God Bless You All.

[@Showreens1234]

I lived in fiji for six years. have two sons who are fijian. fiji could be a very rich country in a short period of time. but because the native chiefs and politicians are very selfish. only less then 7% of land is share between the people. 85% native only which chiehs own. 8% crown land 7% freehold. this is why no one can own a piece of land in fiji. except chief's and the rich. to buy free hold land at the cost of millions. when the average wage is $2. makes land prices. out of reach of most fijians. but is all land became freehold. the cost of land would come down so all fijians. no matter what race could afford their own piece of land. people would come from other countries to ooen business. as with land to buy and cheap wages. business would explode. opening up fiji. to grow. infrastructure would increase. wages would go up. prices would go down. when what a beautiful country it would be to live in. I do not believe in native rights. as we are all native to each country. whether you believe in god. adam and eve. or scientists. ages. but both agree that the land was one mass. then broke up into many. meaning we are all natives of every country. and we all should share as such. one land one country. see groups in facebook. for more details.

[@riteshjaglall1092]

Thank for explaining the situation because I was wondering the government must be corrut greddy and selfish.

[@Showreens1234]

@Mark indians h a ve more right then native fijians to live there. They where brought there to work for the english. After fiji sold the land to them. As fijians where to lazy to work and sat around drinking kava. Then they made 99% of the businesses. Of which some where stolen during the many coups and laws directed solely at taking over a businesses like fiji water. A tax put on the water they got from the land. And other such laws not made in any other country. The queen left the land for all fijian. Not just native. As 99% of others are born there. So have as much right to live then then anyone. Especially corrupt fijians. Who rob not only then but other fijians who lease l and too.

[@y35h57]

@@Showreens1234 need to check Ur taxing system it's was British who started it to disadvantage non white enterprise in all colonial country. Tax on Fiji Water was long due as company used FIJI to market their products without paying any royalists to the country.

[@sofiakhan899]

Poverty and many other problems are everywhere....its a world wide issue....

[@victorlatu257]

If Samoa is not careful all the Chinese n foreigners will take all our lands . N will end up like these poor ppl. How sad.. if only I can help

[@raymaynard4364]

I blame the Corrupt Government of Fiji 🇫🇯 what happens to Aid from other Countries China 🇨🇳. Australia 🇦🇺 New Zealand I

[@kavitalata6065]

It's neva told wea it's used only goes inside the pockets of rich

[@kalsaumesatungiamata9066]

It's time Pacific islands come to face reality and adaopt One Child Policy per family. Our islands are small and we need to curb population explosion

[@elizabethmcleod246]

Is birth control available in all of Fiji?

[@linabalawan3225]

The Indo-Fijian gentleman who spoke of the Notice handed to him by the Landlord makes me ashamed to be Fijian. And The Khaiyum Bainimarama Coup was supported largely by the Fiji Indian Community precisely for the land issues. Hard lesson.

[@JosefaRarasea]

So sorry

[@nikodruguta6800]

12:59 am...Im watching this. Brought me tears watching and hearing testimony of difficulties they're facing. Either land or money, etc.

[@browngalbigeyes8287]

🥺🥺🥺

[@legalshieldbarbara8554]

God will not forget you! Those negative people words will reap the negative karma!!

[@JosefaRarasea]

Vinaka ❤

[@olasiman21]

man i left fiji and migrated to australia at the age of 8 now i'm 42 and watching this makes me feel so fortunate that i was given a better life....

[@coolbreeze8008]

Hope you helping than

[@coolbreeze8008]

@Jith Hegde yes you right man

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

U selfish 😅

[@JosefaRarasea]

❤

[@peterharunari947]

Wow. This is not nice. It does not reflect the pacific way of life. We need to show and do better than what we have as the belief and do something about how we live our lives and amongst and with our breathen. God bless Fiji.

[@alwillis5299]

What Pacific place is this?

[@ashanichand3124]

The income in fiji along with income source in fiji needs to be improved. The average wage for a person working on USA is at least $7 to 10 per hour. This is low income. In fiji, that is about what you make in a day. For 8 hrs of labor....that is a huge difference and fiji has been selling land to people from china, Korea, japan, usa, Australia etc....instead this land needs to be cut into small parcels of at least 1200 sq feet and rented to poor people. Electricity, clean water and food at subsidized cost needs to be provided by the Government...what is the Government doing.

[@lq3825]

There government sold them out of there land.like All the islands in the pacific including Samoa and my Tonga brother's so sad.Lofa atu frm Michigan.

[@uafasimakeletarakoexpm.6790]

Government is only caring for their own benefit and welfare of their families instead of people of the whole nation. Which means they are killing the whole nation of people. Very sad to see and hear all these. May the mercy of God be upon them all.

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

Government is corrupt and selfish greedy

[@John-ww3ji]

Prayers and thoughts beautiful viti lomani. Resting on the promises of God almighty 🌈🎶🎺😇😍🎉⌚

[@raymaynard4364]

SAD 😢 my Heart ❤️ bleeds for the people Corrupt Government Bring Back SR Fiji 🇫🇯 Needs HIm

[@subhashnidevi702]

Its really heart touching

[@mimirikrik2809]

I'm from federate State of Micronesia YAP state 96943.it doesn't matter if UR poor no education or no money as long as you have enough food for your families dats more great As long you still breeding and survive .god bless y'all Fiji island.

[@owenlemusu5883]

LPP P

[@alboae]

This the real slums. Bless 🇫🇯

[@stevenmani1922]

Only talking. Wat can be done to solve the squatter problems

[@atishdeo]

it is sad to see that this issue hasn't been fixed in a long time.this suffering for basic needs for all this good people of fiji should be priority for fiji government.

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

All government 😜 are selfish greedy ass wholesalers

[@boonsong2010]

the poor and the rich so much diferent even In Thailand

[@travelmonkey6999]

Father Kevin started an organization called hart how ironic

[@josephcamillo8389]

Fact: Not Fr Kevin Barr (RIP) but the late Fr Dermott Hurley and supported by the Fiji Council of Churches. Fr Barr co-founded ECREA and also the PCN.

[@harbanshurst3302]

Why ! Why the government decided not to renew the lease?

[@moekidipinok2162]

I think fiji island are richest citizen country! Actually woooow!? We true sad! Where's govn'tm

[@indianfijianshambhu]

Yes the government is always response ble and if they cant stort out the land rights. This what happens. .fiji is very rich in land .but they have to learn how to use it and share. ..

[@Showreens1234]

I think since fijian dont want to share the land. All lease money should go into providing better roads and other infrastructure in there land they control. That way all benefit from the land. No one could complain about that

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

They are not rich in land. They are small islands. What they are rich in, is tourism dollars, so explain this one to me Arvind..

[@y35h57]

@@thvtsydneylyf3th077 tourist dollars go back overseas to hotel operators who hire locals on below minimum wage

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

@@y35h57 how are they even there without proper checks n balances? You say all that but where does the onus lie when it comes to accountability..

[@JosefaRarasea]

Uuuuu

[@blacksultan85]

yall shoulda fought for your independence from the British if you was going to live like this. CRAZY

[@patricksinclair9331]

This program provides an indepth look at how a massive this problem is in Fiji. The personal being interviewed hve identified the root causes, including the loss of land leases, rectifying the governments procedures regarding key infrastructure and developing the rural areas, in order to minimise the urban drift. Although this was filmed several years ago, it is still apparent that it's still a major problem today. You can't compare USA to Fiji also.

[@JosefaRarasea]

Spot on❤

[@14marist]

I WILL SUPPORT FOR THE FIJIANS

[@WiseFool888]

I strongly feel that the producers of the waste the companies that manufacture the garbage should pay for disposal.

[@matthewmann8969]

Tough struggle trying to climb out

[@norasno1768]

Squatter's should make their own Government and remove the government officials into the squatter's environment and see if they'll make better changes.

[@IrshadAli-cq5dt]

Politics also plays a role in urban drift. In addition fiji suffered from political upheavals, which had profound impact on all sectors of our community. Visionary leadership is essential in development. So much land in our country yet people suffer. God bless fiji.

[@harbanshurst3302]

What has government gained by taking the land away from these people, what's happening to the land now, who is working the land ? Government started the problem by displaying these farmers

[@matavule72waitoga41]

feel sorry for the children ❤️

[@amazingtopics6894]

In fact no Fijian should be living this way. Every indigenous Fijian has land. Why would they want to live in shacks when they have land in their villages. Farming and fishing, poultry farming are great starters for family income. The mentality needs to change otherwise there will be no transformation. Once the child gets a good job and take care of himself, go back to the village.

[@rahuldeo3160]

I hope... some day greater india will help this tiny islands of fiji..💒🙏🙏🙏 bula vinaka💖

[@thvtsydneylyf3th077]

Fiji should nuke India

[@theblackpanther6738]

No thanks.

[@acenurses9650]

LMAO INDIA IS A SHITHOLE ITSELF 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

India should Clean Up their own backyard

[@christophergeorge8724]

Never knew the poverty rate was so high. Changes need to be made.

[@debrairwin7963]

Yes their homes might be eyesore to some people...but I don't see lots of rubbish lying around...

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I have seen the rubbish lying around. In some places there are no public garbages!

[@drewchand8255]

The land owners take their land back but don't know what do do with their land. Their children want be close to the town or cities. Land stays unproductive.

[@Law19157]

Move away from Socialists leaning polices, allow people to purchase land & be more business friendly. This will attract business to Fiji which will result in more employment opportunities. Hostilities towards businesses needs to stop, you can't tax them to death and expect to prosper. Fiji has a lot of labor, cheap labor which can serve manufacturing needs for Australian & New Zealand companies. China prospered because of their cheaper labor look where their people are now, they have increased their standard of living it can be the same for Fiji.

[@kumarjadu]

How can I help.

[@matavule72waitoga41]

are you in Fiji brother I'm in NZ and this is heartbreaking

[@kumarjadu]

@@matavule72waitoga41 bula brother. My heart goes out to all the people in Fiji. I tried to help with money when I was there few years back. But giving money is not the answer I think, government should do something about it. Actually I am thinking to go to Fiji again once this COVID issue is gone. Currently I am living in Vancouver Canada. Brother life is a struggle,we all went through it one way or the other. My aim is to help those kids so their future will be better somehow. I feel the pain of all the citizens of Fiji who are facing this challenge. Sorry my hands are tired due to this pandemic we all are facing. I think Fiji people are better off than other nations right now . Let’s all get together one day and help each other. We are all one good people.

[@JosefaRarasea]

Vinaka for all the help from overseas we really appreciate all your kindness and support may God bless you all and many prosperity always ❤❤❤❤

[@marilynr409]

As a Indian woman from the West Indian. When I live there I never live like , i feel sad for the people.

[@joenalewabau9589]

Religious institutions are more interested in building big and ornate monuments so they can be remembered. It is not for God. It is more for their own vanity and their good lifestyle.

[@akapitegamae7409]

This is unique when seeing people there are so friendly towards each other, respect, love, care and help each other unlike other squatters around the world where you can't find such people as these.

[@dhanrajmohan701]

Public comments. God bless all of you. Humanity need to live love and appreciate life ❤️❣️❤️. Prayers move mountains 🙏🙏🙏. We all need peace and happiness. Contentment and faith and courage and strength will bring peace of mind and happiness.