Why water the dead

I BELIEVE the 2019 FSC annual report shows that the FSC is being operated by the funding provided by ordinary Fijians and the loans the corporation is taking to fund its operations. I believe all these loans taken will also be repaid by the same ordinary Fijians as the corporation shows no trend of being self-sufficient in any time to come.

Is this a sustainable way forward? It makes me wonder whether we even need the sugar industry or not. The FSC’s current liabilities are a lot more than its assets amounting to $168.8 million which is quite disturbing to know.

Knowing the fact that FSC owes more than it has is a very big indicator to the relevant authorities that we are going down a steep hill with no brakes attached. Another factor that makes me worry is how will the FSC repay its debt commitments amounting to $134.6 million during the financial year ending May 31, 2020. Exactly how will we survive, will we again cut short the farmers’ efforts and reduce payment, or maybe take up another loan which ordinary Fijians will have to repay.

Being a youth of this nation I just don’t think justice is being served to the ordinary Fijians as well as farmers within the industry. I also think the FSC consultation which took place should have concluded with shutting the industry down for the betterment.

The 2019-2020 budget saw the education grant being cut by $200 million. The Education Ministry which will for sure have a profitable return saw a decrease which will be felt all across the education system. I believe ordinary Fijians would want their money to be spent on something worthwhile rather than watering something that is already dead.

Though the sugar industry provides employment to many Fijians, but we can do better.

Let’s do better for all. Let’s be creative, let’s be innovative!

PRAMESH NAIDU

Samabula, Suva