Some members of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) are demanding the resignation of Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad due to ongoing salary issues. However, Prof Prasad defends the pay increase for civil servants announced in this year’s budget.
During the FTA’s annual general meeting in Suva, retired politician Ratu Peceli Rinakama suggested that a new Minister for Finance be appointed because he believes Prof Prasad has failed to address the long-standing concerns of teachers effectively.
Ratu Peceli emphasized the importance of implementing the submissions made by members during the meeting, stating, “It is no use if we take our submissions and go back home with them.” While acknowledging the government’s democratic mandate, he urged members to advocate for their own interests and expressed hope for a change in leadership in the Finance Ministry.
In response, Prof Prasad criticized Ratu Peceli as being misinformed. “He is a retired politician,” he commented, suggesting that there was no point in responding to someone who does not grasp that discussions about salaries and job evaluations fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission.
Prof Prasad pointed out that the government has maintained a good relationship with the FTA, highlighting the salary increases of 7 to 10 percent for civil servants as generally well-received. He also mentioned that a review of job evaluations could be forthcoming, which might address some of the existing issues.
He dismissed Ratu Peceli’s comments as lacking awareness of the government’s budgetary measures aimed at enhancing civil servants’ salaries. Prof Prasad stated that personal attacks would not hinder the government’s commitment to resolving the persistent challenges faced by teachers. He noted that the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Civil Service are responsible for implementing reforms to tackle these issues.