Grace Road Group has announced the suspension of all new projects and business expansions in Fiji as they reassess their future direction. This decision comes in the wake of recent allegations reported by The Fiji Times, which suggested that church members faced severe working conditions and personal hardship.
In a statement shared on their social media, Grace Road criticized the media’s portrayal of their organization, describing it as being unfairly targeted by journalists. They specifically referenced claims made by a former member, who alleged separation from her children and referred to working conditions as “slave-like.” The group has denied all accusations, labeling them as baseless and suggesting that they stem from personal disputes rather than factual reporting.
The statement also expressed frustration with the ongoing media scrutiny, emphasizing the significant investments Grace Road has made in Fiji, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, and the nearly 900 jobs they provide. They highlighted that the allegations pose obstacles to their business operations and contribute to a challenging investment atmosphere.
In light of these circumstances, Grace Road Group has opted to halt new initiatives until they can reassess their position, signaling a potential downturn in confidence for foreign investments in the Fijian market.
This situation underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the potential consequences that misconstrued narratives can have on businesses and local economies. While Grace Road faces challenges, their decision to pause and evaluate their approach may lead to a more sustainable and transparent business strategy in the future.
Summary: Grace Road Group has paused all new initiatives in Fiji amid allegations of poor working conditions and personal grievances reported by The Fiji Times. The group denies the accusations, claiming they are unfounded, and calls for a more honest representation of their operations as they reassess their future in the country. This decision highlights the impact of media narratives on foreign investment and business viability.
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