Answer to Question #213177 in Macroeconomics for Nisha

Question

Review the last year’s COVID19 supplementary budget of Fiji (available online) and discuss if the initiatives are adequate to mitigate the pandemic. Discuss the drawbacks, and explain how they may be improved.

Helpful Links:

https://devpolicy.org/fijis-next-budget-should-focus-on-crisis-mitigation-and-economic-recovery-20210526/

https://devpolicy.org/how-to-respond-to-fijis-covid-19-health-crisis-20210511-2/

https://www.brookings.edu/research/how-to-boost-long-run-growth-after-covid-19/

Answer 1

The government of Fiji in response to COVID-19 allocated budget into various sectors that would aid Fijians in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the initiative the government of Fiji put up in place the reduce the impact of COVID 19 on its citizens include allocating funds to various sectors. The allocation included sectors such as the hospitality sector, the laid off workers within lockdown areas, Fijians employed in the informal sector and compulsory paid leave for Fijians positive to COVID-19.

The measures are however inefficient as the government ignores the vulnerable group including women and children, women with disabilities and those working in informal sector. the gender gap that exists in employment has made women in Fiji more vulnerable.

the government should consider social protection for every citizen by ensuring social protection scheme remains intact, develop a gender responsive approach to budgeting and making informed decisions on budget allocations to avoid wastage of funds.