Tuvalu is expanding transport and digital links, with subsidised airfares to Fiji, improved maritime services and cheaper internet access forming part of the Government’s plan to connect the country’s islands and people.
Prime Minister Feleti Teo, in his 48th Independence Anniversary address, announced that eight seats on every flight between Funafuti and Fiji would be reserved for Tuvaluan nationals at a capped subsidised fare of $600 return (US$415 million), or about $300(US$207) one way.
The subsidised fares go on sale from 02 October for travel beginning 01 November.
Teo said the measure was aimed at making air travel more affordable for Tuvaluans travelling for family, education, employment and essential services.
“As an island nation, connectivity is fundamental to Tuvalu’s sustainable development and the daily lives of our people,” Teo said.
The Government has been working with Fiji Airways to explore ways of reducing the cost of air travel between Tuvalu and Fiji.
Teo said maritime connectivity had also improved with the opening of the Niutao Boat Harbour at the start of the year, while work continued on outer islands without boat harbours.
The introduction of the MV Manu Sina has also strengthened passenger and cargo connections and added capacity to Tuvalu’s national fleet.
Teo said the Government had focused over the past year on maintaining vessel safety and insurance standards while retaining the skills needed to operate the ships.
New employment arrangements for crew will be introduced this month, with better salaries and shorter-term contracts designed to be more consistent with international practice.
But Teo said the biggest change in Tuvalu’s connectivity had come through telecommunications.
“The most transformative connectivity development has been in telecommunications,” he said.
The Vaka Cable and Fibre-to-the-Premise programme has strengthened Tuvalu’s digital connection, with internet service costs reduced by 50 percent, according to Teo.
He said improved and sustainable internet connectivity was creating opportunities in education, business, public services and communication between Tuvaluans at home and overseas.
However, Teo said access to technology alone was not enough.
“We must also ensure that our people have the skills to use it and benefit from the opportunities it creates,” he said.
Through the Digital Nation initiative under the Future Now project, the Government has partnered with Google to provide 200 Tuvaluans with scholarships for Google Career Certificates.
The training covers areas including cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, project management and digital marketing.
Teo said the scholarships would provide practical skills to support employment, entrepreneurship, remote work and participation in the digital economy.
“We have invested in connectivity, and now we must invest in the people who will use it,” he said.
The Government’s connectivity programme covers transport, telecommunications and skills development, with the aim of improving access to services and economic opportunities for people across Tuvalu and those living overseas.
