On June 11 PM Bainimarama congratulated the FNPF Board; on June 24, following a "review of the functions, objectives and board membership of various statutory organizations and other State-related entities" he thanked them again as he dismisses all but one of them. What's going on?
The Board, usually appointed by the PM in consultation with the Minister of Finance (Bainimarama holds both positions) consists of six members, two each nominated by employers, the trade unions represent employees, and two members represent government. With assets totalling over $3 billion and control over 8% of Fiji's wages and salaries (and another 8% from employers), more than government wisdom is needed to run the Board.
A business involving members' savings, retirement pensions, member house purchases and improvements, discretionary assistance with medical and educational expenses, and investments that include 100% ownership of the new Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa at Natadola* and the $80 million (sic!) it seeks to recover from the jinxed Momi Bay tourism development (NZ investors in Bridgecorp lost $107 million in this fiasco), such a business needs experienced business heads, free to express their opinions.
"We had a meeting at the weekend and reviewed the function and objective of the FNPF board,” said Bainimarama. “We have to operate cost effectively and reduce the Fund’s exposure, and ensure we make wise investments to maximize benefits to the members.” Just like that! It is unclear how replacing one pro-Government majority Tweedle-Dee Board with another of Tweedle-Dums will achieve these results. One might have thought that Government's best moves at present is to keep things as they are, and avoid alienating anyone further.
According to the Coupfourpointfive blog neither employers nor unionists were consulted on the dismissal of their representatives, but since most of the old board were Bainimarama supporters it hardly seems likely the move was made to remove opponents of whatever plans Government may have for the FNPF. One early outcome is that the FTUC whose nominees were dismissed has said it will not allow its members to accept FNPF appointments. Its rival union. the FICTU, has always assumed an anti-government position and is unlikely to be invited to the Board. With this union stand-off Coupfourpointfive predicts Government "will change the criteria of membership to the Board [drop employee and possibly employer representation and pick all six members] from personalities who sympathize with them." For details on the people involved, see the Coupfourpointfive blogsite.
* 216 rooms, 35 acres. Vijay Singh-designed 18-hole golf course.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Dismissed
In an equally disturbing move, Coupfourpointfive and three Fiji daily newspapers, report that the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Andie Driu, has been dismissed after being accused of being "disloyal to the government of the day." She had apparently said she would remain neutral and follow the law. She was sacking by the recently appointed Acting DPP, John Rabuku. Driu was one of three Assistant DPP's. Her dismissal leaves only one Assistant DPP, the other resigned late last year and has not been replaced.
Wages
The only good news is that it seems Bainimarama is keeping his promise to enact the minimum wage legislation on July 1st.
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