FEBRUARY 24 CONFIRMED
It’s confirmed. The much-talked about Lokia Kindergarten in Rewa will be opened by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on February 24.
Staff of the Commissioner Central’s office in Nausori were meeting yesterday to ensure that all outstanding compliance issues are sorted out before the opening. The kindy was originally scheduled to open last month but the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts stopped it because it did not comply with certain building requirements.
Spokesperson for the kindy, Joe Vesikara, then rang the PM and asked for his help. Mr Bainimarama had intervened and help arrived.
Yesterday Mr Vesikara met Mr Bainimarama in Parliament and got the confirmation of the opening date.
It was the first time he had met the PM in person and his first impression was: “I am very impressed. He is a true leader. He makes the time on the margins of his busy schedule to meet ordinary people like me.”
“The people of Lokia are excited and looking forward to host him and show their appreciation for his timely help,” he said.
“We are also grateful to the Chinese Embassy in Suva for donating $20,000 towards the building. “The project has been nine years in the making – a dream of a humble multiracial rural community. Some of those who started this journey have died along the way. The dream is now a reality and we thank God for his blessings.”
Files under scrutiny
Files containing complaints against a company have been sent from a branch office to the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations in Suva for investigation.
The ministry had instructed for the files to be sent after BTL published reports of the plight of laid-off workers.
Some ex-workers lodged complaints with the branch following the recent closure of a business outlet in this small town without any notice.
The company had allegedly threatened workers against complaining to the ministry and BTL. It is alleged that the company had not paid the FNPF workers contributions.
The FNFP is investigating this case after it received complaints. The company is also accused of violating aspects of the employment law.
The workers had allegedly not been paid overtime, sick and family care leave.
It is also alleged that a ministry official was told by the company that an ex-worker had never worked for the company even though all the details are with the ministry.
It is encouraging that the ministry has begun its investigations. And as soon as this matter is resolved, the better it is for everyone.