Former Prime Minister and National Farmers Union General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry has accused Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna of “spreading lies” over claims that he had attempted to arrange a meeting to discuss issues facing the sugar industry.
In a statement, Mr Chaudhry rejected comments attributed to the Minister in the Sunday Times, which stated that Mr Tunabuna had tried to meet with him to discuss concerns raised by cane farmers.
“Claims by Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna that he had attempted to arrange a meeting with Mr Chaudhry to discuss the issues raised are categorically denied,” Mr Chaudhry said.
He claimed it was instead he who had sought a meeting with the Minister.
“In fact, it was Mr Chaudhry who tried to arrange a meeting with the Minister to sort out issues, but Mr Tunabuna said he had a tight schedule and just could not fit him in.”
Mr Chaudhry also criticised the newspaper, saying it should have sought his response before publishing the Minister’s comments.
“Sunday Times should have contacted Mr Chaudhry for his response before printing such lies.”
The former Prime Minister also dismissed repeated criticism from the Minister over his absence from the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s meeting with cane farmers in the Western Division.
“I was never invited,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“There was no need for me to attend. The Committee decided to meet with farmers to hear first-hand of their concerns. It was best I stayed away so growers could speak freely with the Prime Minister and his committee.”
Mr Chaudhry said he had already communicated the concerns of cane farmers directly to the Government.
“I had already written to the Prime Minister and the Sugar Minister to acquaint them of the plight of the farmers and their demands. This was after I had gone around and held meetings with the growers throughout the cane belt.”
He accused the Minister of attempting to distract from the industry’s challenges.
“The Minister is simply trying to divert attention from the crisis at hand.”
Mr Chaudhry said farmers were still waiting for a response from the Government following the committee’s meeting in the West.
“Government gave them assurances that their demands would be considered and a reply given. Almost a month later the farmers are still waiting,” he said.
