Fiji Police have seized equipment believed to be intended for use by clandestine drug labs. The consignment originated from British Columbia. So far, the police have not disclosed the specific type of equipment that was seized. Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew mentioned that analysis of substances found in several containers returned negative results for illicit materials. He noted that although the substances, known medications, are also recognized as precursors, investigations are now focusing on the possibility of manufacturing.
In another story, Minister for Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa has confirmed the dismissal of a special administrator for missing mandatory council meetings. Additionally, Fiji’s Housing Authority plans to use a $150 million guarantee to deliver 3,183 residential lots within five years, from 2024 to 2028, at a total development cost estimated at $229.08 million. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Prof Biman Prasad stated that this guarantee would enable the authority to access the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s Housing Facility and maintain a current portfolio of $71.13 million, assisting about 525 customers. So far, $9.82 million has been approved to assist 184 customers.
Sugarcane production in Fiji continues to decline and remains below the desired level of 2.5 million tonnes, a concerning trend given its historical significance to the economy. Standing Committee on Economic Affairs chairperson Sakiusa Tubuna highlighted this decline while presenting a review report of the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) 2020-2023 annual reports in Parliament. The sugar industry, vital to Fiji’s economy, contributed approximately 0.9% of the GDP and generated 5.7% of domestic exports in 2022, according to provisional data from the Reserve Bank of Fiji. The committee observed a notable decline in cane production from 2020 to 2021, although there was a 16% increase from 2021 to 2022.
Several factors contributed to the decline in sugar production, including a lack of interest from farmers due to perceived unprofitability, inconsistent cane supply to the mills, declining cane quality, the absence of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and the non-existence of strategic plans to forecast the corporation’s future targets and outputs. The committee also noted FSC’s reliance on government grants for its operations due to its debt levels and recurring losses. Despite the availability of funds from the Sugar Cane Growers Fund and assistance from the Sugar Ministry, the decline in sugarcane production persists.
Fiji’s sugarcane farmers are set to receive $101.08 per tonne of cane for the 2023 season, compared to $91.38 per tonne in 2022. This is higher than the previous benchmark of $85 per tonne. The industry, once the backbone of Fiji’s economy until the early 2000s when preferential prices under the European Union’s Lome Convention expired, now faces numerous challenges.
There is a pressing need to develop a comprehensive sugar policy to ensure industry stakeholders are better informed about future strategies. Issues such as transportation, production dynamics, land sales, and competitiveness against other sugar-producing nations must be addressed. The key questions are how to motivate farmers to produce more and what measures can incentivize landowners. Political commitment and coordinated efforts among relevant key agencies are crucial to overcoming these challenges.