Your Window To Fiji And Beyond.

Call for committee to vet candidates for growers council

Screening Candidates: A New Proposal for Sugar Cane Growers Council Elections

Spread the love

Sugarcane farmer Jitendra Singh from the Drasa sector has proposed the establishment of a committee to evaluate candidates for the upcoming Sugar Cane Growers Council election. He presented his recommendations to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights during the consultations for the Sugar Industry (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Lautoka last week.

Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of having qualified individuals on the council, arguing that candidates should possess appropriate educational backgrounds and skills to effectively contribute to the industry’s leadership. “It is essential that those elected have a solid understanding of the industry rather than being chosen through dubious means,” he stated. He expressed concerns about the implications of having representatives without the necessary knowledge or experience.

Additionally, Mr. Singh advocated for a more inclusive approach to the candidate selection process, suggesting that individuals with experience in other sugar-related organizations should be eligible to stand for election. He cited their potential expertise as beneficial for the council’s decision-making.

In response to Mr. Singh’s proposal, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, the committee chairperson, clarified that the responsibility for verifying candidates’ eligibility lies with the Registrar of the Tribunal and the CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Council. He reassured that proper checks and balances are in place to ensure candidates meet legal requirements.

This initiative reflects a growing awareness within the sugar industry of the need for capable leadership and transparency in the electoral process. By advocating for a stricter vetting mechanism, stakeholders like Mr. Singh are actively seeking to strengthen the governance of the sugar sector, which is vital to many communities’ economic stability.


Comments

Leave a comment

Latest News

Search the website