The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has issued a warning of potential legal action against the Fiji Labour Party unless Mahendra Chaudhry issues an apology and provides reasonable compensation. This warning follows Chaudhry’s call for accountability regarding the $200,000 grant he allocated for Girmit celebrations to a discredited organization, which had trustees that included his wife and a close political ally at the time.
Chaudhry stated that he received a communication from Professor Prasad’s legal representatives, Sherani & Co., insisting that all references to the Girmit funding and Prasad’s involvement be removed from the FLP’s website, labeling them as “false and defamatory.” He revealed that his legal team is currently handling the situation.
Chaudhry emphasized that such threats will not prevent them from seeking accountability from the minister regarding the $200,000 grant awarded to an organization that was deregistered in 2022 for failing to submit necessary audited financial documents and annual reports since its establishment in 2017. He also mentioned other payments allegedly made to close associates of the Minister that require clarification.
The former Prime Minister noted that the Government had promised the public that detailed accounts would be made available soon, which was announced during the height of the controversy surrounding this issue early last year. He remarked that even after 18 months, the expected audited accounts have not been disclosed, and the Labour Party will persist in demanding transparency and accountability.
Chaudhry affirmed that the public deserves an explanation regarding these matters, highlighting the irregularities involved in the distribution of funds for the 2023 Girmit celebration and reiterating the Labour Party’s demand for detailed financial accounts related to the payments made to individuals and organizations.