SODELPA assures to maintain good governance
The following statement was issued by the president of the Social Democratic Liberal Party Ratu Epenisa Cakobau.
It is imperative that the Fiji Government assures all Fijians that the issues currently confronting the nation will be addressed in a practical manner to minimise the economic downturn that can be expected from the effects of COVID-19, as well as that of TC Yasa that devastated a major part of Bua and other parts of Lau and Lomaiviti.
On this note, the SODELPA president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau in a statement, says the resilience of the Fijian people at the same time must be commended, especially those who have been affected by the current global pandemic and the cyclone that has just passed. Ratu Epenisa says that SODELPA is standing with the people during these difficult times with whatever they can assist with and has reached out to assist a school in Wailevu West District in Cakaudrove, whilst its Members of Parliament have also in their own respective ways reached out to those affected around Fiji. In the meantime, Ratu Epenisa states that for this new parliamentary year, SODELPA will continue to assist maintain transparent governance in Fiji both through governments functions, and from within the Opposition Party.
He stated that the party maintains high standards of good governance, which means that within the party itself, it has required a closer scrutiny on all party expenses including that of the Party Parliamentary Office.
He stated that with the exit of the former Opposition Leader, changes have since occurred, and it is imperative that the party adheres strictly to the requirements of the Political Parties Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures Act.
Disbursement and expenditure
He stated that recently there has been clarifications sought from the office of the Registrar of Political Parties on the disbursement and expenditure of the funding provided to the party by way of the government grant, and in his response, Mohammed Saneem has confirmed through the general secretary of the party Emele Duituturaga that the funding is considered party income from a lawful source and these funds will need to be accounted and audited as is the practice for all political parties, to the office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
Ratu Epenisa in this respect stated that recently, SODELPA has had to respond to various queries from the office of the Registrar of Political Parties with regards to its finances from 2015 to 2019, which has been provided last week, and so moving forward, the party under its new management must ensure there is nothing that impedes SODELPA’s participation in the next general elections.
Ratu Epenisa stated that compliances with the law is very crucial and so the party must always work to consider the interests of its voters and not allow any self-interests in its decision making.
Ratu Epenisa meanwhile also states that given the new school year has started, he is optimistic that all parents and guardians will work together with the major stakeholders, the Ministry of Education, and schools to ensure that the year 2021 is a better year for the education of all our children.
He reiterates that our children are
Fiji’s future, and in their hands lies the sustainability of our nation’s development, and long and lasting economic recovery and peace. He says that it is crucial that our children are supported by all stakeholders to become the best they can be in life. He sends his warmest regards to all parents and children around the country and wishes all teachers and school administrators a unifying 2021.