The Permanent Secretary for Information, Sharon Smith-Johns has reassured the business community and potential investors that the David Roth issue was between Roth and the government, not against Fiji Water.Smith-Johns said there is a lot of speculation but the issue has already been clarified by the Prime Minister. Radio NZ said Smith-Johns also said she and other government representatives are expecting questions about the affair at the two day Fiji Australia and New Zealand Pacific Business Forum in Sigatoka.Fiji Water's Director of Operations Anna Morris said it's business as usual at the company based in Ra despite the deportation of executive David Roth.Roth left last week after being declared a prohibited immigrant.Morris has no further comment to make at this stage.Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, who is currently in China, earlier said that the declaration in relation to Roth was based on reliable information and subsequent verification and confirmation by relevant authorities, which showed that David Roth had been acting in a manner prejudicial to good governance and public order by interfering in the domestic affairs and governance of Fiji. Commodore Bainimarama said this decision does not impact on Government's positive attitude towards overseas investors and the business community.He said the Government is committed to the security and wellbeing of all investors and business entities in Fiji and will continue to provide an environment that is conducive to profitable investment.However, the Prime Minister said non citizens of Fiji, who interfere in the internal affairs of Fiji, breach the conditions of their work permit. He said it is unfortunate that David Roth saw it fit to engage in activities outside of his work permit conditions.Story by: Vijay Narayan
