Fiji Navy Commander Marika Vosawale says that their search and rescue budget is not with them but with the Ministry of Defence which is a challenge for them.
Vosawale confirmed this during their submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.
SODELPA MP and committee member Ratu Suliano Matanitobua had questioned the Fiji Navy officers about their budget and whether it is sufficient.
Vosawale says that in case of any search and rescue mission it is a challenge for them in relation to the time frame they have to get ready for the operation.
However, Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola says that what Commander Vosawale said is not true.
He says that the processing of funds have never been slow when the need arises for a search and rescue mission.
Kubuabola said that the reason it is kept in the Ministry of Defence is because the funds had been abused in the past.
Commander Vosawale said that if the funds were with them then they could immediately negotiate with the surveillance firm and then continue with their assessment scheme.
FijiFirst MP and Committee member Jilila Kumar suggested that this recommendation be taken up to parliament.
Commander Vosawale agreed that this should be done.
