The Fiji Labour Party is questioning Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on why he hosted an extravagant party at the Grand Pacific Hotel for his ministers and their spouses when nearly half of the country’s population struggles to afford a decent meal.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, in a statement, queried who financed the costly event. Chaudhry criticized the special dinner, which took place at Suva’s most luxurious hotel, meant to thank the Prime Minister’s 29 ministers and assistant ministers for their purportedly good work over the past 20 months, as well as for the support from their spouses.
“This is unprecedented in Fiji’s 54 years of independence; it’s the first time a Prime Minister has entertained his Cabinet with a grand party to acknowledge their work,” Chaudhry stated.
He also questioned the necessity of such a gathering, pointing out that these ministers are already receiving substantial salaries and allowances for their roles. Chaudhry noted that these officials are set to receive another significant increase in their compensation, perks, and allowances despite public outrage.
“This excess is indicative of a Coalition of ministers focused on self-enrichment, enjoying lavish parties, and indulging in numerous overseas trips,” he said. He pointed out the irony of such extravagance given Fiji’s repeated requests for budget support from countries like Australia and New Zealand, including the recent $86 million from Australia.
The former Prime Minister questioned the source of funding for these events, highlighting the nation’s inability to afford a $5 minimum wage for the lowest-paid workers.
Chaudhry also pointed out that, just recently, Permanent Secretaries enjoyed a retreat at a luxury resort in Denarau, Nadi, and government workers spent a week on civil service celebrations.
“The government has failed to tackle the rising cost of living despite major election promises. In the past 20 months, they have not stopped the decline of the sugar industry. The Employment Minister has failed to deliver justice to the victims of Suva’s Ferris wheel tragedy in over a year. Multiple senior government ministers are under investigation following complaints for failure to comply with the Political Parties Act. He is still awaiting detailed accounts of the 2023 Girmit celebrations, and despite a drug and sex scandal earlier this year, the involved ministers remain in the Cabinet. Over 80,000 people, mostly young and frustrated, have left Fiji in search of better opportunities,” Chaudhry added.
FijiLive has reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister for comments.