The Ministry of Multi‑Ethnic Affairs has opened its faith‑based grants to organisations of all religions after concerns were raised about funding allocated to church groups in Labasa, Minister Charan Jeath Singh confirmed on Tuesday. Singh said the clarification was issued to dispel the perception that only selected religious groups received government assistance, stressing that any faith‑based organisation can apply so long as it meets the ministry’s criteria and can demonstrate wider community benefit.
“The Ministry of Multi‑Ethnic Affairs takes care of everyone in the community, regardless of whether it is Catholic, Sikh, Muslim and so forth,” Singh said, reiterating that applications are assessed by ministry staff through an established vetting process. “What we’re actually doing is opening applications not on a personal basis, but for the benefit of the wider community. If an organisation qualifies, it goes through a vetting process by ministry staff.”
Singh sought to reassure critics who questioned funds directed to church groups operating within villages and community settings in Labasa, saying the grants are distributed transparently and independently. “We have been distributing these grants for the past two years, ensuring that allocated funds are properly disbursed through established processes, and not influenced by external factors such as elections,” he said, adding there is no ministerial influence over individual funding decisions.
The grants form part of the ministry’s $2 million budget for the current financial year. Singh said 195 approved recipients from Seaqaqa, Dreketi, Savusavu, Labasa and Nadogo travelled to Labasa to receive their funding, reflecting the ministry’s outreach across multiple districts rather than a concentration in one faith or location. The minister emphasised that eligibility hinges on demonstrable community benefit rather than religious affiliation.
Ministry officials have previously run similar disbursements over the last two years, the minister noted, and this round continues that practice of vetting and approval by staff rather than by political officeholders. The clarification appears aimed at addressing public unease and ensuring communities understand that grants are tied to project merit and community outcomes.
The announcement comes amid broader national sensitivity about equitable use of public funds and the role of faith groups in community development. By explicitly opening the programme to all faith‑based organisations and underscoring procedural safeguards, the Ministry of Multi‑Ethnic Affairs intends to strengthen transparency and quell claims of partiality while encouraging eligible groups across Fiji to apply.
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