Govt’s priority right now is the health and safety of Fijians – Bala

Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Bala says the government’s current priority is the health and safety of Fijians, and the Fiji National Sports Commission has always been given required funds and the opposition should not make an issue about funding.

Bala stated this after SODELPA MP, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua told parliament that Fiji National Sports Commission’s development programs for the third and fourth quarter were cancelled and all funds released by the Commission had to be refunded immediately.

While contributing to the debate on the Review of the Fiji National Sports Commission 2017–2018 Annual Report, Bala says the Fiji National Sports Commission has established working relationships with a number of non-governmental organisations like the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and has developed programs and provided funding especially in rural areas.

He says the Commission also shares funding with the national sporting bodies.

Ratu Suliano told parliament the impact of COVID-19 has had terrible effects on the development of sports in the country.

He says the Fiji National Sports Commission’s sports and development program was put on hold.