Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has leveled serious accusations against the Government, claiming it has “misled” Parliament on several occasions during a heated debate. The exchange, which took place in Parliament, saw Mr. Usamate confront Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica over alleged discrepancies in statements made regarding infrastructure and financial matters.
In his remarks, Usamate asserted that Kamikamica falsely claimed that no classrooms were built under the previous government. He countered this by listing several schools established during that period, including Bau Central College and Jeremiah College, insisting that these facts showed the Deputy Prime Minister’s misrepresentation of the truth.
Furthermore, Mr. Usamate disputed Kamikamica’s assertion that he had voted in favor of a significant government guarantee of $200 million in borrowings in 2022, referring to official records that did not clearly indicate his vote. This led to an allegation that Kamikamica was promoting “fake truths,” manipulating the narrative to suit his agenda.
The debate escalated when Usamate highlighted a news report suggesting that Fiji was undergoing a financial crisis, which Kamikamica refuted, stating he had just spoken to the CEO of FBC, who admitted to inaccuracies in their reporting.
Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko acknowledged the issues raised and indicated he would rule on the matter at a later time.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions and the importance of accountability in Fijian politics. As the opposition seeks to hold the ruling party accountable for its statements and actions, it underlines the necessity for transparency and integrity in governance.
In a hopeful twist, such confrontations could encourage a culture of accountability that ultimately leads to more effective governance and greater public trust in political leaders. As the political discourse continues, Fijian citizens may find themselves more empowered to engage with their representatives, advocating for honest and responsible leadership.
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