The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) proudly introduces Joela Cama, a respected economist, public policy expert, and national development strategist with over 25 years of distinguished service dedicated to building a stronger Fiji.

Throughout his career, Joela has served Fiji in some of the country’s most important institutions, including:

Chief Agricultural Economist – Ministry of Agriculture & Waterways (2024)

Managing Director – Sustenance Management Enterprises (2020–Present), leading Business Development and MSME Empowerment, project financing, tender management, investment facilitation, and enterprise development.

Finance & Economic Consultant – Ministry of iTaukei Affairs (2022–2023), providing policy advice, coordinating national development strategies, capital investment programmes, and special projects.

Fisheries Economist & Advisor to the Minister – Ministry of Fisheries, contributing to Fiji’s National Fisheries Policy, Ocean Policy Framework, coordinating capital projects exceeding FJ$5 million, negotiating with international development partners, and representing Fiji at the United Nations Ocean Conference in New York.

Senior Economic Planning Officer – Ministry of Fisheries & Forestry, leading forestry policy reforms, strategic planning, and national development initiatives.

Senior Economic Planning Officer – Ministry of Finance & National Planning for over a decade, co-authoring Fiji’s Strategic Development Plans, coordinating major infrastructure programmes, advising government ministries, and managing development projects funded by the World Bank, ADB, the European Union, and AusAID.

A graduate of the University of the South Pacific with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Public Administration, Joela also holds a Master of Public Administration from the National University of Singapore, one of Asia’s leading universities.

JOELA CAMA’S KEY PRIORITY SECTORS

Agriculture, Food Security & Rural Development

Drawing on his experience as Fiji’s Chief Agricultural Economist, Joela will champion:

• Increased investment in agriculture and agri-business.

• Affordable finance and low-interest credit for farmers.

• Stronger food security and reduced dependence on imported food.

• Expansion of value-added agricultural exports.

• Capacity building for farmers through improved farm management training.

• Establishment of commercially operated processing plants with internationally accepted quality standards.

• Encouraging natural resource-based processing industries in rural communities and the outer islands to create jobs and increase local incomes.

MSME Development, Business Growth & Economic Empowerment

As Managing Director of Sustenance Management Enterprises, Joela understands the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and small businesses.

He will work to:

• Empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

• Improve access to business finance and investment opportunities.

• Support business incubation, mentoring and entrepreneurship.

• Develop Turn-Key Community Development Models integrated into existing and new housing developments.

• Align housing developments with sports, youth, women, transport and MSME programmes to create self-sustaining communities.

• Encourage innovation and value-added industries that create long-term employment.

Fisheries, Maritime Development & Blue Economy

With extensive experience in fisheries policy and marine resource management, Joela will champion:

• Expanded opportunities for fishermen and coastal communities.

• Faster, more reliable and affordable shipping services throughout Fiji’s maritime regions.

• Upgraded jetties and maritime infrastructure.

• Sustainable fisheries management.

• Growth of Fiji’s Blue Economy while protecting marine resources.

• Increased commercial fish and agricultural processing facilities in maritime and rural areas.

Transport & National Infrastructure

Strong infrastructure drives economic growth.

Joela’s vision includes:

• Construction of a new 4-lane toll highway between Suva and Nadi, reducing travel time to approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Development of a modern railway corridor connecting Natovi – Nausori – Nasinu – Suva – Lami – Navua – Sigatoka – Nadi, reducing travel time across the corridor to approximately 2 hours.

• Better roads, bridges and water infrastructure.

• Reliable electricity and improved digital connectivity.

• Modern maritime transport facilities and upgraded jetties.

• Comprehensive reviews of road maintenance budgets and road construction quality.

• Stronger monitoring and enforcement of infrastructure and transport legislation.

• Improved vehicle fitness inspections to enhance road safety.

Transport Industry Reform

Joela believes transport services should be fair, safe and efficient.

His priorities include:

• Awarding one taxi licence to eligible individual operators to support owner-operated livelihoods.

• Special licensing arrangements for commercial-scale transport operators under strict regulatory conditions.

• Monthly compliance monitoring and regular inspections to improve service standards and passenger safety.

• Strengthening transport sector governance and accountability.

Economic Stability & Cost of Living

Joela believes every Fijian family deserves greater financial security.

He will work to:

• Reduce the cost of essential goods.

• Support local businesses and exporters.

• Create sustainable employment.

• Strengthen economic growth.

• Deliver practical policies that reduce the cost of living.

Health Care Reform & Modern Health Infrastructure

Quality health care is a right for every Fijian. Joela is committed to building a modern, affordable and accessible health system that delivers better outcomes for every family.

His priorities include:

• Rolling out a Universal Health Insurance Scheme by 2028 to sustainably finance quality health care for all Fijians.

• Constructing a new Nasinu Health Hospital to meet the growing health needs of Fiji’s largest urban population and reduce pressure on existing hospitals.

• Modernising Fiji’s health care system by comprehensively reviewing and replacing existing contracts covering primary, preventative, secondary and tertiary health care services, as well as medical supplies, equipment and machinery, through transparent procurement and broad stakeholder consultation.

• Conducting a comprehensive Job Evaluation Exercise to ensure salaries, allowances and remuneration packages for health professionals are competitive and consistent with regional standards, helping attract and retain skilled doctors, nurses and allied health workers.

• Establishing a National Health Sector Committee to monitor performance, oversee implementation and ensure timely delivery of sector Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Achieving international accreditation of Fiji’s health care services to improve quality, patient safety and confidence in the health system.

• Investing in modern health infrastructure nationwide, ensuring hospitals, health centres and clinics are properly equipped with the facilities, technology, medicines and specialised services required by every community.

• Strengthening disease prevention and public health programmes, ensuring sufficient resources and medical supplies to reverse declining health indicators, including reducing HIV/AIDS cases by at least 2% annually.

• Restoring Primary and Preventative Health Care services to internationally recognised standards by 2030, with stronger emphasis on early intervention, health education and community-based care.

• Achieving 100% patient access to essential surgical services, ensuring timely treatment regardless of location.

Good Governance & Institutional Integrity

Joela is committed to restoring trust in public institutions by promoting:

• Transparent leadership.

• Independent anti-corruption institutions.

• Responsible public spending.

• Fair and transparent procurement.

• Accountability at every level of government.

• Strong monitoring and evaluation of public projects to ensure value for money.

Leadership Built on Experience

Joela Cama is not entering politics as a career politician. He brings more than two decades of practical experience in economics, agriculture, fisheries, finance, infrastructure planning, business development and national policy.

His vision is to build a stronger Fiji through practical leadership that delivers:

Lower cost of living

Stronger agriculture and food security

MSME growth and job creation

Better roads, rail and transport infrastructure

Reliable maritime services

Affordable, world-class health care for every Fijian

Empowered rural and maritime communities

Transparent and accountable government

Joela believes Fiji’s future depends on empowering families, supporting businesses, investing in infrastructure, strengthening health care, creating opportunities for young people, and building an economy that benefits every Fijian.

Experienced Leadership. Practical Solutions. A Stronger Fiji.

Vote SODELPA. Vote Joela Cama.