Parmod Chand, the President of the National Federation Party (NFP), has sharply criticized Fiji Labour Party (FLP) Leader Mahendra Chaudhry, branding him as a “shameless politician” with an infamous record for dishonesty. This accusation arose in response to Chaudhry’s recent comments regarding the government’s announcement of the third cane payment of $12.23 per tonne for sugar cane growers, where he alleged that the NFP and its leader, Finance Minister Biman Prasad, had not honored their pre-election pledge of $110 per tonne for cane.
Chand challenged Chaudhry to produce undeniable evidence of such a promise from the NFP during the 2022 election campaign, stating that Chaudhry’s tactics seem desperate and aim to undermine the NFP’s reputation. He asserted, “This time, Chaudhry is doomed. Growers will not be fooled by his lies.” Chand emphasized that historically, every NFP leader has supported growers, asserting that Professor Prasad has upheld this tradition despite challenges faced from 2014 to 2022 under the previous government.
The NFP President highlighted that during the last two seasons, cane growers received payments above the guaranteed price of $85 per tonne set by the former administration—payments that totaled over $91 per tonne in 2023 and over $105 per tonne in 2024. He assured growers that the Coalition Government would continue to prioritize their interests and projected that payments would remain above $100 per tonne after the final harvest payment in October.
Chand also criticized Chaudhry for his historical governance failures, pointing out discrepancies during his time as Prime Minister and asserting that past administrations, including Chaudhry’s, failed the sugar industry. Emphasizing a shift in leadership, he positioned the current Coalition Government under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as one that treats growers with the respect and honor they deserve, contrasting that with Chaudhry’s previous political maneuvers.
The ongoing dialogue between these political figures highlights significant tensions within Fijian politics. The National Federation Party remains committed to restoring faith in governance, with hopeful intentions toward promoting accountability and transparency in leadership—a crucial foundation for the nation’s future.
This political exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of ethics in leadership. As the NFP works toward progressive reforms, the engagement of political leaders demonstrates a commitment to addressing the concerns of the electorate, ultimately encouraging a more stable and trustworthy political environment in Fiji.
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