A former senior government official along with two ex-senior executives has been charged with the illegal transportation of firearms and ammunition on a domestic flight. According to a police statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has approved these charges.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime (ACP) Mesake Waqa reported that the former government official faces multiple charges, including abuse of office, breach of trust in public service, receiving corrupt benefits, and unlawfully carrying firearms and ammunition on aircraft. The two former executives have been charged with providing corrupt benefits to a public official, failing to report security incidents, and violating compliance with the aircraft company’s Security Programme.
ACP Waqa added that the airline company involved is also being held accountable for failing to comply with security procedures and mandatory reporting of security occurrences.
In a separate development, the collaborative effort between the Government and the Opposition is credited with reversing Fiji’s economic downturn. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad highlighted that this cooperation has prompted a downward revision of the growth forecast from 3 percent to 2.8 percent for the budget.
Prasad underscored the importance of national events being attended by both parties, remarking that this unity sends a strong signal of the bipartisan spirit being cultivated. He expressed confidence that this collaboration has built trust among citizens, the private sector, and development partners, which is crucial for national growth and prosperity.
He noted the evident positive effects of bipartisan support on the economy, especially regarding the recent 2024-2025 budget. The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the backing for the budget, along with key policy measures such as salary increases for civil servants, a rise in the national minimum wage, government capital projects, and a slightly larger fiscal deficit, has restored economic activity.
Prasad referred to the current period as a “transformative national journey,” with the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 20 serving as guiding frameworks. In his concluding remarks, he expressed gratitude to all members of Parliament, including the Opposition, for their input in shaping the National Development Plan, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in rebuilding the country and realizing its full potential. He affirmed that the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 20 will be crucial in guiding this shared journey.