Felix Chaudhary
7 May, 2021, 11:00 am
Mahendra Chaudhry, (left) and Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (right). Picture: File/RAMA
There is no need for the 2021-2022 National Budget consultations and announcement to be pushed back, says Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry.
He made the comment in reference to a statement by Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum that the 2021-2022 budget would be “further down the track” because of the impact of COVID-19.
Mr Chaudhry said the government ministries relevant to the nation’s finances should continue to operate as normal.
“The civil service machinery continues regardless,” the former prime minister said.
The Fiji Times » Food distribution saga fijitimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from fijitimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Fred Wesley
Image: THE FIJI TIMES
Bula vinaka
Here are some stories that made the headlines in The Fiji Times’ edition for Tuesday, May 4.
PAGE 1
Long battle
The big one on Page 1 is on the impact of COVID-19. The Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong, has warned that we should be prepared for a long battle against the virus.
Two new cases
Struggling to cope
The second story on Page 1 is about a man struggling to cope in the face of the recent lockdown.
There’s more on Pages 2 and 3.
World Press Freedom Day
Health minister Dr Iferemi Waqainabete talking to the media at the Superdrug Store after a wheelchair handover in Nabua, Suva, on Thurs 15 Apr 2021. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU/FT FILE
Felix Chaudhary
2 May, 2021, 1:20 pm
Empty streets in
the heart of the
Capital City yesterday
morning during the
Suva-Nausori corridor
lockdown. Picture:
JOVESA NAISUA
Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says people not being able to get through to the 161 food hotline and 158 COVID helpline is “inexcusable”, especially in a time of national crisis.
He claimed both numbers were not working yesterday morning as dozens of people from critical lockdown areas in Makoi and Narere tried to get medical help or seek food supplies.
“I personally tried the numbers several times after receiving complaints from people living in Makoi and Narere and found them dead,” the former prime minister said.
Felix Chaudhary
Bowser attendant fuel up vehicles in Suva. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA/FT FILE
FIJI Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the increase in fuel and gas prices as of today is “insensitive”.
In a statement issued yesterday, he said “at a time when our troubled economy is facing even further contraction, it is the height of insensitivity for the Government to allow hefty increases in fuel and cooking gas prices”.
“It seems that the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is completely oblivious to the suffering of our people and the downturn in business and economic activity as a result of the current Covid crisis,” said Mr Chaudhry.