The Fiji Labour Party is urging the Public Service Commission to reveal the expenses associated with the recent two-day retreat for Permanent Secretaries at the Pearl South Resort.
In a statement, the FLP responded to remarks made by PSC Chairperson Luke Rokovada, who criticized the party’s concerns over the Prime Minister hosting a thank-you party for Cabinet ministers at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, while Permanent Secretaries attended a luxury hotel retreat over the weekend. Rokovada described the Labour Party’s comments as “ill-advised and irresponsible.”
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry countered, stating that it shows a lack of sensitivity for government officials, whether they are Permanent Secretaries or Cabinet ministers, to engage in lavish gatherings at luxury venues while the general populace struggles with rising living costs.
Chaudhry questioned who is truly acting irresponsibly and suggested that government workshops and training sessions could be conducted at more affordable venues in Suva, such as the University of the South Pacific or Fiji National University, which would eliminate the need for costly overnight accommodations.
He criticized Rokovada’s defense of the previous Fiji First government’s similar actions, asserting that two wrongs do not make a right. Chaudhry expressed concern regarding the current government’s tendency to spend lavishly while the nation faces a financial crisis and relies heavily on budget support from donor countries.
He further criticized the government’s imposition of austerity measures on the populace while simultaneously awarding themselves significant increases in parliamentary salaries and allowances, along with hosting extravagant celebrations. Chaudhry emphasized the need for the Coalition government to lead by example and demonstrate greater awareness of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.