The special dinner hosted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, one of the city’s most expensive venues, has sparked criticism.
On Tuesday evening, Mr. Rabuka welcomed Government Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and their spouses to a special dinner at GPH. The event served as a moment for Mr. Rabuka to express his gratitude to the government elite for their efforts over the past two years in power.
“With support from the Cabinet Office, tonight’s event reflects the bond we share and encourages friendship and camaraderie,” Mr. Rabuka said. “Let’s continue to dream without boundaries and keep up the good work.” The gathering was exclusive to Cabinet members and their spouses.
However, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry criticized the event, calling it an embarrassment given Fiji’s frequent requests for budget support from Australia and New Zealand. He argued that such extravagance is inappropriate given the country’s financial dependence. The latest financial aid is an $86 million package from Australia signed on Monday.
“Our ministers are wining and dining themselves at Suva’s most expensive hotel for no reason at all,” Mr. Chaudhry said. “Where did the money come from, Mr. Rabuka? The nation cannot even afford to pay a minimum wage of $5 an hour to our lowest-paid workers. They have to wait another nine months to get the $5 per hour. Isn’t this sickening evidence of a coalition of ministers enriching themselves, throwing lavish parties, and traveling overseas frequently? The rest of the nation can struggle on for all they care.”
Mr. Chaudhry continued, “Aren’t these ministers already paid super salaries and allowances for the work they are supposed to be doing? From August 1, they will receive another massive increase to their salaries, perks, and allowances, which they stubbornly awarded themselves despite the nation’s outrage. Wasn’t this undeserved windfall enough?”
He also noted that this is the first time since Fiji’s independence that such parties have been organized for Ministers and Assistant Ministers. “Who paid for this expensive extravaganza? The taxpayer, of course!” he said.