The brother of a former chief executive of the Fiji Sugar Corporation reportedly received an annual salary of $80,000. Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh stated this information was provided by the FSC board during a discussion.
Singh mentioned that the individual traveled from South Africa to Fiji for a holiday, and it was unclear what position he held at the FSC. He pointed out that the proper hiring procedures were not followed, as there was no public advertisement for the position.
“There was no advertisement put out in the media for the post,” Singh said. “I have been informed that I’m not sure what job or posts he had, as he had no job description. His role was essentially to ‘muck around.’”
Additionally, Singh revealed that the FSC not only paid his salary but also reimbursed his airfare from South Africa to Fiji, as confirmed by the board.
When questioned about whether he intended to report the matter to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, Singh responded that he would wait for guidance from the board, stating, “I cannot do it by myself.” He emphasized the importance of waiting for the board’s advice before taking any action.
Singh shared these details while addressing farmers in Bucaisau, situated on the outskirts of Labasa Town.