FORMER trade unionist, experienced aviation industry worker -turned digital creator Ben Kush has put his hand up to stand in the 2026 general elections under The People’s Alliance (PA) banner.
Mr Kush said he hopes to make a difference with the party.
“The People’s Alliance is a movement,” said Mr Kush.
“I voted for the new party on the political landscape, PA, in the 2022 general elections because I believed in the movement’s ideals, principles and manifesto.
“I also firmly believed The People’s Alliance was the only party capable of toppling the ruling FijiFirst government.”
Mr Kush, who was part of the recent announcement of new office bearers for the PA’s Namaka branch, said he was all in for the party.
“I hope and pray that I have worked hard and done enough to secure a ticket to represent my party in the 2026 GE and will continue to strive for that opportunity in the next 15 months.
“The onus, however, is upon the party hierarchy to decide whether I’m good enough to go the next step. That decision is out of my control, and I can only hope for the best.”
With more than 30 years of aviation operational experience, Mr Kush firmly believes he has a lot to offer the country.
“I believe I possess a bit of knowledge in the mentioned industries to formulate an opinion.
“I also firmly believe that we do not need expatriates in the two organisations, namely Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji.
“We are not in the 1970s anymore where we needed foreign expertise. We can do the same or even a better job than these expatriates coming into the country with glossy resumes and getting a minimum of half-a-million-dollar salary packages.”
The former president of the Air Traffic Management Association of Fiji (ATMAF) said the current administration is doing its best to address the former administration’s mess.
“We inherited a mess from the FijiFirst government, a real mess, and any keen observer would easily testify to that.
“Health, roads, infrastructure and national debt were a real mess and we simply cannot turn things around overnight.
“It will take time, that we’ve got to accept, it will take time and a long time to turn things around.
“We’re not magicians, and overall, I believe my party’s ministers are doing a great job, despite the constraints.”
Mr Kush also acknowledged those supporting his political journey.
“I thank my supporters from the bottom of my heart for their faith in me, and so far it’s been an incredible journey with the overwhelming growing support in all communities, the West and other areas in the country.
“My maternal links of Salia, Nayau, Lau, and Betoraurau (Sabeto) have also come on board to support, personally a very big boost, in this journey. It’s been a very humbling experience for me.”
