Concerns about governance and investor confidence in Labasa resurfaced in Parliament on Monday when Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj accused local decision-makers of treating the northern town as their personal domain, claiming that this attitude is blocking development and driving away investors.
“I was in Labasa a couple of months ago… one of the major issues in Labasa Town is, some of the Special Administrators and some Ministers think they own Labasa Town,” Maharaj told MPs, alleging that investors face “lots of obstructions” when their interests clash with those in power. He singled out a proposed hotel development at JJs On The Park, saying the project — backed by businessman Vinesh Dayal and landowner stakeholders and reportedly worth about $10 million — had been cleared by the Supreme Court but was still hit with a stop‑work notice from the town council.
“Even after the Supreme Court ruling… the town council served them a notice to stop work. This is not on,” Maharaj said, using the example to argue that municipal decision‑making was undermining investor confidence in Labasa. The Opposition MP did not produce documentary evidence in the House during his remarks.
His comments prompted an immediate point of order from Minister Lynda Tabuya, who cited Standing Order 62(1) and pressed Maharaj to provide proof before implying misconduct by individuals or offices. “Under Standing Order 62(1)… if he has proof, he needs to show it and go through the proper process,” Tabuya said. Speaker Filimone Jitoko backed the procedural challenge, reminding members that allegations of wrongdoing must be substantiated and warning against imputing bad intentions without conclusive proof.
The exchange marks the latest flashpoint in an ongoing debate over local governance, accountability and the barriers facing private investment in Fiji’s regions. Commentators and economists have repeatedly warned that obstacles to private capital — including inconsistent municipal decisions and protracted legal disputes — can discourage investors and hamper economic recovery, especially in areas outside the capital.
Maharaj’s reference to the JJs On The Park development is significant because it frames a concrete instance where a judiciary decision in favour of developers and landowners, he said, has not translated into on‑the‑ground progress. The claim of a stop‑work notice despite a Supreme Court ruling, if verified, would raise questions about the interplay between municipal authorities and national courts — and the predictability of the local investment environment.
Parliament did not receive documents or other immediate evidence to substantiate Maharaj’s allegations before adjournment. Both Tabuya and Speaker Jitoko signalled that any formal complaints or evidence would need to be lodged through proper channels for investigation. The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of municipal actions in Labasa and could prompt calls for clarity on the legal status of the JJs On The Park project and the authority of town councils when court orders are in play.