Prasad: Seruiratu’s comments insult descendants of Girmitiya

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad has described the Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu’s comments as an insult to the descendants of the Girmitiyas. Professor Prasad said this when asked for a response on the call made by Mr Seruiratu for him to step down to allow an investigation on the funds allocated to the Global Girmit Institute to organize a conference as part of the Girmit Day commemoration.

Mr Seruiratu claimed that the money ($200,000) was allocated to the organisation that was de-registered for failing to provide audited accounts for five years.

In response, Professor Prasad said Mr Seruiratu’s comments were “laughable”.

“He is obviously not himself, he should become a little more independent and think independently and he should not be guided by some de-facto leaders who are outside,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“The allegations that he is making are an insult to the descendants of the Girmitiya. This is a man who doesn’t know what transparency and accountability is.”

He said Cabinet made a very clear decision that $500,000 would be allocated for the Ratu Sukuna Day celebration and $500,000 for Girmit Day celebrations.

“In that $500,000 for Girmit, it is very clearly approved that an international conference will be part of that. Then he is talking about GGI that was de-registered and registered again, there is nothing untoward about that.”

He said FijiFirst was never open to revelation of expenses and budget.

“This is a Government that has done that, a budget and how it is going to be used.

“The Ministry of Finance puts in proper procedures and guidelines for any grants that are vetted by the A-G and S-G’s offices.”