Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry believes the $100 assistance by Government for the people in the Northern Division is insufficient given the rise in cost of living over the last few months.

Chaudhry said if the FijiFirst Government was genuine about helping those who are suffering, they would have given out a decent amount of cash.

He said in light of the huge increases in food, fuel and bus fares, the Government should have distributed $500 to the people of the North.

“I was astounded when I learnt that the $100 benefit being dished out in the north by the FijiFirst Government will not benefit farmers and others who are self-employed,” he said.

“The Government is now calling for applications for the handout which will include a $50 one-off top up for those on the state's social welfare scheme.

"Cane and cash crop farmers suffered heavy losses as a result of the two cyclones and heavy flooding last year but received no relief assistance from the government,” he said.

He said most of the people in the North are farmers and none will qualify for the $100 handout, meager as it is.

By Nacanieli Tuilevuka