PM stops all deals with Fiji Times

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has now directed that all ministries, departments and agencies cease subscriptions to the Fiji Times newspaper.

In a Public Service Commission (PSC) circular signed by Permanent Secretary to the Public Service Parmesh Chand, it stated that if the newspaper subscriptions have been paid already, the ministries and departments have been requested not to renew the subscription.

Chand said the current subscription should only continue if recovery is not possible.

Chand had also informed civil servants through the circular that at the directive of the Prime Minister, advertising in the Fiji Times newspaper for all ministries, departments and agencies is to cease immediately.

The PSC said ministries and departments that have made prior arrangements with the newspaper for publication of government business are to terminate these immediately.

Fiji Times Managing Director Anne Fussell is currently in a meeting and could not be reached for a comment.