National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad says the former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase will be remembered for stabilising the economy after the May 2000 coup and maintaining a relatively stable economy during his 6-year term as Prime Minister.
He says Qarase's ability to successfully lead a genuine multi party cabinet after the May 2006 general elections demonstrated his ability and uniqueness to espouse genuine power-sharing.
Professor Prasad says the formation of the multi party cabinet with the inclusion of 9 Ministers from his political opponents, who included veteran politician Krishna Datt, showed Qarase’s absolute trust and faith in the 1997 Constitution and the Korolevu Declaration that outlined why a multi party cabinet was extremely important for Fiji.
He says unfortunately, this genuine power-sharing for the first time in our independent history was cut short after 6 months by the military coup of 5th December, 2006.
He says under his stewardship of government, the Exim Bank of India agreed to lend $85 million for sugar mills upgrade project at a minimal interest rate of 1.5% to be paid over 15 years but didn’t get the opportunity to see its proper implementation because of the coup.
Prasad says Qarase had also announced in September 2006, the inflow and implementation of major sugar industry reforms over 7 years of a $350 million grant from the European Union that would have significantly boosted the livelihood of our cane growers and provided them alternative livelihoods through diversification.
He says this money was withheld by the EU and eventually lost after the coup.
Prasad says personally, he first came into contact with Qarase during his brief employment with Fiji Development Bank where Qarase was the Chief Executive.
He says Qarase was always transparent and conducted himself ethically in all his dealings and accepted constructive criticism and alternative ideas both as a CEO and as Prime Minister.
Prasad says the NFP expresses its deepest condolences to Qarase’s wife and their five children and family members.
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