Three major stories are highlighted on the front page of The Fiji Times for Saturday, October 26.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry are in a dispute regarding the nomination of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for the position of President. Chaudhry criticized Ratu Naiqama’s past actions, claiming they disqualified him from serving as Fiji’s Head of State. In response, Rabuka defended the nomination, emphasizing that it aligns with the provisions of the 2013 Constitution, questioning, “Why should anyone be condemned forever?”
Another article discusses the significant delays in the $40 million Fiji National University Naiyaca campus project, which have been attributed to design problems, adverse weather, and delayed payments to contractors. Originally slated for completion in 2017, the project has since experienced four timeline changes as only the first phase is partially completed.
Additionally, an article sheds light on the gap between the skills provided by Fijian educational institutions and the requirements of local industries, leaving graduates unprepared to meet the local economy’s demands.
In other news, attention turns towards the sugar industry as the Government announces a historic payment of $105.08 per tonne for sugarcane for the 2023 crop. This is a significant increase from the May payment of $21.75 per tonne and a response to the challenges posed by climate change. The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the sugarcane farming community, with Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh attributing the increase to the hardships faced by farmers and the need to enhance production.
Despite challenges such as rising costs and declining farmer numbers, there is hope that this payout will reinvigorate the industry and encourage farmers to increase production. The article also highlights the importance of addressing the industry’s complex issues, including transportation and land use, and calls for political will to foster meaningful change.
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