The Fijian government has disclosed a notable expenditure exceeding $70,000 for the participation of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and various ministers at this year’s Independence Day celebrations taking place overseas. In a written response to Parliament this week, Prime Minister Rabuka outlined that his personal travel expenses amounted to $8,899.95.
The financial breakdown of other officials’ costs reveals Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga at $11,783.84; Employment Minister Agni Singh at $7,165.72; Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru at $8,583.93; Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran at $6,328; Information Minister Lynda Tabuya at $11,551.68; and Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa, whose costs reached $10,500.55.
This information surfaced following a query raised by Opposition MP Premila Kumar regarding the total expenses incurred by the government for ministers’ overseas participation in Independence Day events. The topic of government spending, particularly linked to official trips, has garnered ongoing scrutiny, notably highlighted by a previous report that emphasized that officials undertook 147 trips between April 2024 and April 2025 at a staggering cost of nearly $1.9 million.
Concerns around government overseas expenses reflect the ongoing debate about balancing essential international engagement and fiscal responsibility, especially as the Fijian populace grapples with economic hardships. Past administrations have also faced backlash for extravagant spending, igniting calls for enhanced accountability and transparency.
Despite the criticism surrounding such expenditures, it is essential to recognize that international trips can create avenues for Fijian leaders to establish diplomatic relations and initiate projects that could ultimately benefit the nation. The prevailing hope is that these international engagements will yield constructive outcomes that prioritize the welfare of the Fijian people while ensuring prudent management of public funds.