MULTI-Ethnic Affairs Minister Charan Jeath Sing has denied claims of bias after the Northern Division received the highest amount of grant funding in the 2024 to 2025 financial year.
“I’m not being biased, don’t say that just because I’m from Labasa,” Mr Singh said.
He said the total value of four recently approved projects in the North under his ministry was $54,000.
“When combined with 81 previously awarded projects, he said, the total grants distributed in the region now amounted to $600,000, the highest among all divisions.”
While speaking at the handover grants for multi-ethnic communities in the North, he said the grant program was conducted with transparency and integrity.
“Every application went through a thorough assessment. I had no influence as a minister on who received the grants.”
He said ministry staff reviewed all applications and some were rejected due to incomplete documentation.
“If you elect the right people, they’ll work hard to bring resources to your area. As I’ve said before, you need a driver who knows how to drive. Don’t elect someone without a licence.”
He said the total value of grants disbursed across the country this financial year was $1.475 million.
“These projects are already easing hardships across the country and fostering social cohesion, which is one of our ministry’s core objectives.”
He said the ministry received 312 applications, of which 202 grants were approved.
