The National Federation Party says in the spirit of Diwali, lending institutions like the Sugar Cane Growers Fund and the Fiji Development Bank should refund cane growers the loan amounts that were deducted by FSC.
Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad says these deductions have left more than 70% or over 9,000 growers with zero balances or payments of less than $1.
Prasad says as a first step to illuminate the lives of some of our people in the spirit of truth, righteousness and justice, the Government should direct the Fiji Sugar Corporation to reverse all deductions made from the $.9.15 per tonne top-up to the 4th cane payment made to cane growers, that has left them with a pittance.
He adds that Diwali is also of significance to all people in Fiji’s multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation because it renews and builds bridges of unity, harmony and solidarity.
Prasad says cane growers are also multi-racial in demographics contrary to common belief, and every one of them will have also anticipated a good Diwali.
The Fiji Sugar Corporation says that it must be noted that cane growers with significantly lower tonnage will have a direct correlation to lower proceeds, and in some cases, may receive no cash income in the final cane payment.
FSC Chief Executive Officer Graham Clarke stresses that FSC has no control over this.
He says in terms of financing debt, with this 2016 final cane payment, the growers have reduced their debt.
Clarke adds that it’s important to note that the initial cane payment was 44 cents per tonne but government relief (top‑up) has allowed for many growers the ability to reduce what debt they will carry forward to 2017.
