Grace Road Group has announced a halt to all new initiatives and business expansions in Fiji as it reassesses its “future direction.” In a statement shared across its social media platforms, the group expressed its dissatisfaction with recent reports by The Fiji Times, describing the coverage as “target practice for journalists.”
These reports included allegations from a former member of the Grace Road Church, who claimed to have escaped challenging circumstances at the group’s True Mart Navua store. She accused the church of imposing “slave-like” working conditions on its approximately 300 members and expressed concerns about being separated from her children.
Responding to these allegations, Grace Road strongly denied all claims made in the article, asserting that the reports were exaggerated and involved personal family disputes not representative of the church or its practices. They highlighted that the allegations were baseless and appeared to be an attempt to manipulate media attention for personal gain.
The group’s statement further criticized The Fiji Times for publishing what they described as sensationalized articles without substantiated investigation, questioning the credibility of the reports. Grace Road emphasized its substantial investment in Fiji, which totals hundreds of millions of dollars, and the employment it provides to nearly 900 individuals.
Due to the current atmosphere of uncertainty, exacerbated by the ongoing legal challenges and the alleged unlawful detention of key members, including their group president, the Grace Road Group expressed that it is now challenging to pursue further expansion within the local business landscape.
As a result, the group has decided to pause all new projects and initiatives, indicating a need for a reassessment of their future in the Fijian market, which they view as a reflection of the overall business environment for foreign investors in Fiji.
Despite the challenging situation, Grace Road Group’s long-standing investment in Fiji and its commitment to job creation demonstrate a dedication to contributing positively to the local economy. By taking time to review its direction, the group may emerge stronger and more focused on fostering an environment of trust and collaboration in the future.
In summary, while Grace Road faces significant challenges amidst serious allegations, its dedication to its workforce and the local economy highlights the potential for resilience and positive outcomes moving forward.
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