A tense confrontation occurred in Parliament on Friday when Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, made a comment directed at Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma, labeling him a “kid.” The remark came during Singh’s explanation of the advancements implemented by the Fiji Sugar Corporation regarding fire prevention systems and disaster resilience at its mills.
Sharma was quick to challenge Singh’s comment, questioning its appropriateness and stating that belittling his position was unacceptable. “For the minister to respond to me and say that I’m a kid, should I say that he is old enough and he doesn’t know what’s happening in his ministry?” Sharma posed, emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue in Parliament and asserting that every representative deserves dignity, regardless of their age.
Furthering his inquiry, Sharma cited video evidence of bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane, found scattered near the Rarawai Mill in Ba—the site of a recent fire. He pressed Singh to acknowledge that this pointed to a potential oversight by his ministry, directly asking, “Can he admit that it is an act of negligence by his ministry?”
In his defense, Singh remarked that, as a minister, he cannot be expected to oversee every activity occurring within the Fiji Sugar Corporation premises.
This incident highlights ongoing criticisms Singh has faced regarding his leadership in the sugar industry. He has been scrutinized for his public chastisement of industry players, with some arguing that his confrontational style has hindered collaboration and effective communication with stakeholders. Previous reports have indicated a growing concern about Singh’s relationship with farmers and how public safety issues are handled, raising questions about accountability in the sector.
Despite the palpable tensions, there remains a shared optimism within the community for constructive reforms. By fostering open dialogue and respectful governance, there is potential for revitalizing Fiji’s sugar industry, ultimately serving both officials and farmers alike. Emphasizing constructive conflict resolution may lead to more effective leadership, enabling cooperation and unity among stakeholders to address the challenges facing the industry.