The government is yet to make a statement on the reasons why Fiji Water’s External Affairs Director David Roth was asked to leave the country last night.
Fijivillage approached Acting Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Defense and Immigration Joketani Cokanasiga after a special cabinet sitting this morning.
Cokanasiga did confirm that Roth was requested to leave the country.
However, he denied that there was an official government directive for Roth to leave the country only saying that it is a matter between Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and Roth.
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum when questioned on the matter only said that Commodore Bainimarama will come back and clarify the issues surrounding Roth’s departure.
Permanent Secretary for Information Sharon Smith-Johns maintained that she has received no information from the Immigration Department or any other government agency as yet.
Fijivillage received confirmation that Roth left on the 10pm flight bound for Los Angeles while his family remained in the country.
There is still no confirmation coming through in relation to the reasons for Roth’s departure.
Roth also refused to make any comments.
Yesterday, former Minister for Defense Ratu Epeli Ganilau confirmed that his decision to step down from his ministerial post was in relation to issues surrounding Roth.
Ratu Epeli told Fijivillage that there were some differences in relation to issues surrounding David Roth.
It was also confirmed that Roth held a valid work permit as it was extended for another three years in January this year.
Story by: Vijay Narayan/Roneel Lal
Feature
Still no word from govt on Roth’s departure
