Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has issued a legal warning to the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), demanding an apology and reasonable compensation from Mahendra Chaudhry. This ultimatum follows Chaudhry’s calls for accountability regarding a $200,000 grant that he allocated for Girmit celebrations, which was directed to a discredited organization where his wife and a close political ally held trustee positions at the time.
Chaudhry has received a letter from Prasad’s legal representatives, Sherani & Co., insisting that the FLP remove posts from its website that mention the Girmit funding and Prasad’s involvement, labeling them as “false and defamatory.” In response, Chaudhry stated that their legal advisors are currently addressing the situation.
He emphasized that such threats will not stop the FLP from seeking accountability regarding the $200,000 provided to an organization that was deregistered in 2022 due to its failure to submit audited accounts and annual reports since its establishment in 2017.
Chaudhry mentioned the need for clarity on other payments allegedly made to close associates of the Minister, asking for explanations. He noted that the Government had committed to releasing detailed accounts to the public amid the controversy that arose early last year. However, he expressed frustration that 18 months later, those promised audited accounts remain undisclosed.
The FLP continues to demand transparency, arguing that these matters are essential for the public’s right to understanding expenditure related to the Girmit celebration funds. Chaudhry reiterated the need for a detailed account of how the funds were allocated to various individuals and organizations, citing the irregularities in the disbursement of the 2023 celebration funds as a key concern.