The opposition strongly opposed the $9 million allocation for the Fiji International Golf Tournament to be held again in Natadola this year.
SODELPA parliamentarian Ro Kiniviliame Kiliraki says the allocation should be completely removed and the funds can be given to civil servants who were affected after the abrogation of the constitution in 2009.
SODELPA’s Viliame Gavoka says the $9 million should not be allocated to the international golf tournament.
Gavoka says Fiji has three championship gold courses in Fiji in Denarau, Natadola and Pacific Harbour.
He says tournaments should be held at each of these golf courses three times a year, and $2.7 million in total can be allocated as prize money for these tournaments.
Meanwhile Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Fiji should not just depend on two or three countries when it comes to tourism.
He says they are concentrating on developing various segments within the tourism market.
Close to 400 million homes around the world, including Asian, North American and Australian markets will witness the beauty of Fiji as the Fiji International is broadcast live for 20 hours this year.
Sayed-Khaiyum also says that the amount of money paid could be below $9 million if the organizers manage to get a high amount of sponsorship.
The opposition’s motion was defeated in parliament.
