Parmod Chand, President of the National Federation Party (NFP), has leveled accusations against Mahendra Chaudhry, leader of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), claiming he has deliberately misrepresented government announcements regarding payments for sugar cane growers. This controversy arose following Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s declaration of a substantial increase in the final cane payment, raising it by $8.27 per tonne to a total of $9.47 per tonne ahead of Diwali, amounting to a final price of $101.13 per tonne for the last season.
Chand expressed his frustration at Chaudhry’s comments, which he believes perpetuate misleading narratives that have historically damaged other politicians and officials within the Coalition government. He pointed out that Chaudhry described the initial top-up of $1.20 as an insult to growers, prompting Chand to call for accountability regarding these statements disseminated through social media.
Emphasizing the positive outcomes from the government’s recent payment policies, Chand asserted that sugar cane growers have witnessed record earnings over the past three years—$91 in 2023, $105 in the previous year, and significantly exceeding the guaranteed price of $85. He also highlighted that from 2019 to 2022, growers were deprived of nearly $14 million under the previous administration’s management.
Additionally, Chand raised issues regarding Chaudhry’s multiple roles within the Labour Party and the National Farmers Union, suggesting these positions create a conflict of interest and violate the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding & Disclosures) Act. He reiterated that the Coalition Government is committed to restoring fairness and justice in the sugar industry, which he claims had been compromised during Chaudhry’s time as Finance and Sugar Minister.
In response, Chaudhry called on The Fiji Times to verify the financial figures with the Sugar Industry Tribunal, contending that the government did not solely fund the entire increase. He defended his professional integrity, arguing that claims about breaching the Code of Conduct are unfounded and premature since such rules come into effect only during election campaigns.
This ongoing political exchange highlights the complexities and tensions within Fijian politics, while also underscoring the vital need for integrity, accountability, and agricultural policies that are in tune with the realities faced by farmers. Despite the contentious nature of this dialogue, it presents an opportunity for constructive political reform and a renewed focus on the welfare of the agricultural community, contributing to a more stable and reliable governance framework in Fiji.