Professor Biman Prasad, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, has signaled potential legal action against the Fiji Labour Party unless Mahendra Chaudhry issues an apology and provides reasonable compensation. This development follows Chaudhry’s call for accountability regarding a $200,000 grant meant for Girmit celebrations, which was allocated to a discredited organization linked to his wife and a close political associate who were trustees at the time.
Chaudhry revealed that he received a communication from Prasad’s legal representatives, demanding the removal of all references on the Fiji Labour Party’s website concerning the Girmit funding and Prasad’s involvement, labeling them as “false and defamatory.”
Chaudhry contended that such threats would not dissuade them from seeking rightful accountability regarding the grant given to an organization that was de-registered in 2022 due to its failure to submit required financial reports since its establishment in 2017. He also raised concerns about other payments allegedly made to close associates of the Minister that require clarification.
Chaudhry emphasized that the Government had previously assured the public about forthcoming detailed accounts regarding the fund usage during the controversy that surfaced early last year. However, he noted that after 18 months, the promised audited accounts have yet to be disclosed. The Labour Party maintains its stance of demanding transparency and accountability in this matter.
He highlighted the necessity for public explanation regarding the allocation of funds, particularly due to the suspicious nature surrounding the disbursement of the 2023 Girmit celebration funds. Chaudhry reiterated Labour’s request for a detailed account of the payments made to various individuals and organizations.