Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has responded to the criticism surrounding the recent extravagant dinner held at the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH). The event took place last Tuesday and was attended by Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and their spouses, aiming to foster fellowship and team building.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry criticized the dinner, describing it as “lavish and sickening,” arguing that it was an irrational choice given Fiji’s ongoing reliance on financial assistance from Australia and New Zealand.
In a statement after attending a church service at the Centenary Church in Suva, Rabuka explained that the dinner was funded through the Prime Minister’s Entertainment Budget. He echoed sentiments previously expressed by crossbencher MP Mosese Bulitavu, who defended the event and pointed out Chaudhry’s past financial misconduct involving unauthorized investments outside Fiji.
“It’s part of team building,” Rabuka stated, noting that the budget year was nearing its end and that the Prime Minister’s Entertainment Budget had not been fully utilized. He saw the occasion as fitting, especially following a week of team bonding activities organized by the Public Service Commission for civil servants.
In the current National Budget, the Office of the Prime Minister received an allocation of $50.8 million for 2023-2024, which is reduced to $28.4 million for 2024-2025. Rabuka highlighted the positive impact on the morale of civil servants and expressed his belief that a similar event for Ministers and their spouses would promote camaraderie outside the formal office setting.