The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has warned of potential legal action against the Fiji Labour Party unless Mahendra Chaudhry issues an apology and appropriate compensation. This warning follows Chaudhry’s demand for accountability regarding a $200,000 grant allocated for Girmit celebrations, which was given to a discredited organization tied to his wife and a close political associate at the time.
Chaudhry stated that he has received communication from Professor Prasad’s lawyers, Sherani & Co., requesting the removal of all posts from the Fiji Labour Party’s website related to the Girmit funding and Prasad’s involvement, labeling them as “false and defamatory.” He mentioned that their legal team is currently handling the issue.
“Such threats will not deter us from demanding accountability from the minister for the $200,000 awarded to an organization that had been deregistered in 2022 due to its failure to provide audited accounts and annual reports since its establishment in 2017,” Chaudhry asserted.
He also pointed out that there are other payments made to close associates of the Minister that require clarification. Chaudhry highlighted that the Government had promised that detailed accounts would be made public soon, back when the controversy erupted early last year.
“Now, 18 months later, we are still waiting for the release of the promised audited accounts. The Labour Party will persist in demanding disclosure for the sake of accountability and transparency,” he stated.
Chaudhry emphasized that the public deserves an explanation regarding these matters in the interest of accountability and transparency. “Due to the irregular nature of the alleged disbursement of funds for the 2023 Girmit celebration, Labour has requested comprehensive accounting of the funds disbursed to individuals and organizations,” he concluded.