Jone Usamate Caught Changing His Story, Says NFP

The National Federation Party says that Opposition MP Jone Usamate, who previously defended high inflation under former Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum as being outside government control, has now been caught red-handed completely changing his story.

NFP says that in July 2022, during the national budget debate, Usamate firmly supported then Economy Minister Sayed-Khaiyum when the previous government repeatedly argued that rising inflation and the cost of living were largely beyond the government’s control.

“At the time, they attributed these pressures to global factors such as the war in Ukraine and worldwide inflationary trends,” the party said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Fast forward to today, and Usamate is now blaming the current government for every increase in prices.”

The party says the reality is simple: as Usamate himself acknowledged in 2022, many drivers of inflation are global in nature. Fiji does not control international conflicts, global fuel prices, or worldwide supply chain disruptions.

They further stated that the Coalition Government inherited significant economic challenges, including high levels of debt.

Responsible reforms to the tax system were necessary to stabilise the economy: including the increase in VAT.

The party said that once stability began to return, taxes were responsibly reduced to provide relief to the people of Fiji.

“These decisions were made with the long-term future of our country and our children in mind,” the party said.

NFP welcomed debate but urged politicians to be honest, accusing Usamate of having a poor memory.

“And of course, if Hon. Usamate has any practical suggestions on how Fiji alone can control global inflation, the government, like the people of Fiji, would be very interested to hear them,” NFP added.

NFP’s comments come after Usamate criticised NFP leader and Finance Minister Biman Prasad, claiming the Professor was “arguing with spreadsheets while mothers and fathers across Fiji were struggling with the rising cost of living.”