Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has voiced significant concerns about Prime Minister’s delay in launching an independent investigation related to allegations against the Minister for Youth and Sports and the Fiji Sports Council. Usamate underscored the importance of thoroughly examining any claims of misconduct, particularly since these issues have been apparent since 2025.
His criticism extended to the Prime Minister’s tendency to respond only when public pressure escalates, suggesting that such inaction reflects a concerning trend within leadership. “People across the country have seen this approach before, and many are now wondering what outcome it will bring this time,” Usamate noted, highlighting a growing public concern about unresolved matters being overlooked in the hopes they will fade away.
Usamate raised further doubts regarding the choice to conduct a private investigation, arguing that established institutions like the Police and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) should be engaged. He warned that neglecting these agencies could weaken public confidence in their effectiveness. “When existing institutions are set aside, it creates the impression that they are not being allowed to do their work. That is not good for public confidence,” he stressed.
He urged that any investigation should be managed by truly independent figures and cautioned against repeating past mistakes, including a Commission of Inquiry previously deemed unlawful by the courts, which left confusion and financial strain in its wake. Usamate called for those likely to lead the new inquiry to weigh their professional integrity carefully, emphasizing the public’s demand for accountability.
Usamate concluded his remarks by insisting on the necessity for consistent application of the law without exceptions. He asserted, “The country does not need more committees or temporary arrangements. It needs one standard for everyone. If our independent institutions are not being allowed to function, then we must confront the real issue — the system itself is not being allowed to work as it should.” His appeal for transparency and accountability is a vital reminder of the critical need for government officials to act decisively to uphold public trust.