Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has hit out at Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) chairman Nitya Reddy, accusing him of delivering a “vindictive and empty” speech instead of offering real solutions to revive the ailing sugar industry.
Mr Reddy, who resides in New Zealand, made the remarks last week during the launch of the revived Best Cane Farmer Award for the 2026 season — an event attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Mr Reddy used his address to attack critics of the FSC and the Sugar Ministry, describing them as “self-appointed demigods claiming to champion farmers’ interests.” He warned that he would “tell the truth about them and their history if they continue to peddle lies.”
In response, Mr Chaudhry said such remarks were unbecoming of a public official tasked with restoring confidence in the sugar sector.
“Well, Mr Reddy, this is hardly the kind of negative, vindictive and intimidatory message the farmers gathered at last week’s function would have wanted to hear from you,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“Not once did you make a positive response to any of the criticisms raised. All you did was make derogatory statements and hurl personal attacks.”
The former prime minister said farmers are tired of rhetoric and deserve to hear concrete plans to revive the industry.
“There has been an absolute lack of vision from either you or your minister pal. It is laughable that all you can do is bring in cosmetic changes like reviving an award scheme that Ratu Mara had initiated decades ago.”
“We have not seen a single blueprint of any substance from you outlining strategies to restore FSC’s profitability or put the industry back on track.”
Mr Chaudhry added that reviving an old award scheme was no substitute for genuine reform.
“That is not going to restore the confidence of growers,” he said.
“What they want to know is your plan for tackling land issues, high costs, poor milling performance, and unsustainable lease payments.”
He said Mr Reddy’s “bitter diatribe” was evidence of “a complete lack of vision” in salvaging the sugar industry.
