Faith Harvest Church Senior Pastor Reverend Manasa Kolivuso has publicly addressed his involvement in the contentious 2023 Fiji Airways Israel charter, taking responsibility while urging for factual clarity amidst ongoing court proceedings.
In his comprehensive statement, Kolivuso acknowledged his role as one of the leaders behind the Israel pilgrimage, confirming his signature on the Deed of Forbearance and Guarantee associated with the charter agreement. He emphasized the importance of respecting the legal process, noting that a court case is currently in progress.
The pastor explained his lengthy silence over the past two years was intentional, aimed at preventing any escalation of public discourse or interference with legal matters. However, he felt compelled to speak out due to relentless personal attacks and accusations faced on social media.
Kolivuso detailed how interest in the 2023 pilgrimage surged after a prior visit to Israel in 2022, prompting organizers to seek a charter flight due to difficulties with commercial travel arrangements. He worked with Pacific Voyager and WABS Pacific to coordinate the charter with Fiji Airways.
A funding strategy was initially devised to cover the F$2.5 million cost of the charter, involving ticket sales, cargo space, and anticipated inbound tourism from Israel. Unfortunately, delays in finalizing the agreement prevented the implementation of this plan in a timely manner, leading to the charter agreement being signed mere days before the scheduled departure, after payment deadlines had already passed.
Faced with the risk of incurring cancellation fees that could reach up to F$3 million, Kolivuso stated that organizers had no option but to execute the Deed of Forbearance and Guarantee shortly before the flight.
He also commended the efforts of the Fiji Government and Fiji Airways during the return flight from Israel following the October 7 attacks, emphasizing the successful repatriation of Fijians from a volatile situation. Kolivuso raised the question of whether this return flight should be classified as a charter or a repatriation, given that it included Fijian students and family members of Fiji Airways staff.
Following their homecoming, Kolivuso mentioned that negotiations for a repayment plan with Fiji Airways were attempted, but ultimately, the group defaulted, leading to the current court situation. He disclosed that he had personally made the majority of the first repayment installment.
Reflecting on the experiences garnered throughout this ordeal, Kolivuso offered apologies to the pilgrims, his church, his community, family, and supporters for any distress caused. He has stated his intention to refrain from further media engagements as he commits to respecting the court’s decisions.
As the situation continues to unfold, FBC News is actively seeking responses from the relevant authorities regarding this matter.