Tribunal announces new dates

NEW dates have been announced by the Sugar Tribunal for the commencement of crushing at the Lautoka and Ba sugar mills, two weeks after the original dates were “stayed” by the Sugar Tribunal.

Lautoka will begin operations on June 30 and the Rarawai mill will start crushing on July 7.

Registrar of the Tribunal Timothy Brown said the dates were determined after submissions were received from the Fiji Sugar Corporation and consultations with the Sugar Cane Growers Council.

The Ministry of Sugar permanent secretary Yogesh Karan had earlier said crushing at Lautoka and Ba had to be delayed because of the risks associated with bringing in labourers from outside containment areas.

COVID-19 related restrictions in the Western Division were lifted two weeks ago, except for areas in Nadi.

The Labasa mill was scheduled to begin crushing yesterday.