$889,234.84 in taxpayers money paid to Vatis Communications by the Department of Information
Dept of Information not revealing specific details, no comments from Arnold Chanel since Jan

$889,234.84 in taxpayers money paid to Vatis Communications by the Department of Information

Dept of Information not revealing specific details, no comments from Arnold Chanel since Jan

By Vijay Narayan
Saturday 08/04/2023
Vatis Director Arnold Chanel

$889,234.84 in taxpayers money was paid to Vatis Communications by the Department of Information until the termination of their contract earlier this year.

Prime Minister and Minister Information, Sitiveni Rabuka says this was spent by the FijiFirst Government on social media management services offered by Vatis to the Department of Information.

Rabuka says from September 2019 to January 2023, Vatis had been engaged by the Department of Information to provide social media management services for the Fiji Government social media platforms.

He adds the Department of Information does not have the specifics for the engagement of Vatis by other Ministries.

Rabuka says the Department of Information entered into two one-year contracts with Vatis, commencing on September 24th, 2019, and October 1st, 2022, respectively, which also included provision for extensions.

The first contract between the Department of Information and Vatis commenced on September 24th, 2019 and was valued at $280,000 VIP.

The second contract which commenced on October 1st, 2020 was valued at $295,412 VIP

The Prime Minister says according to the Registrar of Companies records, Vatis was established on January 22nd, 2018, while the advertisement for the initial expression of interest for a social media management firm was posted on August 17th, 2019.

When Rabuka was asked whether or not the company complied with the Expression of Interest or Tender provision of being “highly experienced and motivated, the Prime Minister says it was noted that Vatis had previous experience working with multiple and diverse range of stakeholders, including government ministries, statutory organisations, independent agencies, and private organisations.

He says records say their experience included crisis management and strategic communication services on social media platforms, among other things.

When asked whether or not the two main personnel of Vatis Communications were closely connected to a political party and in charge of the party’s social media platforms, Rabuka says the Department of Information is unable to provide any comments regarding this matter as it was not privy to this information.

Vatis’ contract has been terminated by the coalition government in January this year.

It’s Director, Arnold Chanel has not responded to our questions since January.

Chanel was also part of the FijiFirst Party Campaign Team prior to the 2018 general elections.

We have asked the Department of Information and the Ministry of Finance to confirm what is the progress on the investigation into Vatis, what was the role of Vatis within the Department of Information and how many ministries were they working for, how much tax dollars were they getting paid, did they all go through a tender process, when was Vatis contracted and what was their role.

We are awaiting their response.

viber-image-2023-08-02-08-56-42-901

FEATURE NEWS
Talks start on constitution review but sessions not open to the media
The Attorney General’s Office is having closed door discussions on constitutional amendments with some stakeholders, and the media did not get any i...
57 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
PRF conducts 3-day strategic workshop to help fight waste crisis in Fiji and the region
In a bid to fight against the mounting waste crisis in Fiji and the region, the Pacific Recycling Foundation co-led a landmark three-day strategic ...
13 minutes ago

Police continue to round up everyone involved in Mead Road brawl
Police continue to round up all those involved in the brawl that occurred along Mead Road in Nabua on Tuesday afternoon, with eight students being ...
24 minutes ago

Chand spreads love this Valentine's Day with one hamper at a time
As couples, friends and families gear up to celebrate Valentine’s Day, small businesses like Blossom Gift Ideas Fj, are working behind the scenes ...
32 minutes ago

Works on CWM Hospital operating theatres will continue this month at the earliest – Dr Lalabalavu
Works on the remaining 4 operating theatres at the CWM Hospital will continue this month at the earliest. Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio ...
42 minutes ago

World Radio Day: Prof. Prasad commends CFL and fijivillage News for defending press freedom and serving the public in critical times
Radio remains one of the best mediums for news and information for a number of reasons and in situations such as natural disasters and political ...
2 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
World Radio Day
Radio remains one of the best mediums for news and information for a number of reasons and in situations such as natural disasters and political ...
2 hours ago

Health Minister Dr Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Health Minister, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
8 days ago

PM Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan. The in-depth interview will focus on many issues facing the ...
12 days ago

TOP