Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, emphasized the importance of wise spending for the former miners of Vatukoula Gold who recently received $10,000 each.
Out of a total of 368 miners who went on strike 33 years ago, 153 have been approved for this payment, while the Ministry continues to verify the next-of-kin for the remaining individuals before processing their payments.
“A total of $25,000 will be distributed to 368 families, with $10,000 being allocated from this year’s budget and the remaining $15,000 to be disbursed from next year’s budget,” Singh stated.
He acknowledged the miners’ hardships, saying, “I understand you deserve much more and have endured significant challenges; however, this is what the government can provide at this time to help you begin anew.”
Singh urged the recipients to be responsible with the funds, warning against spending the money frivolously. He confirmed that the Ministry of Finance would process the $10,000 payments into the accounts of the 153 eligible recipients by Friday.