Concerns over governance and the investment climate in Labasa Town took centre stage in Parliament on Monday, with Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj alleging that decision-making is being hindered by those in authority.
“I was in Labasa a couple of months ago… one of the major issues in Labasa Town is, some of the Special Administrators and some Ministers think they own Labasa Town,” Mr Maharaj said.
He claimed that investors face barriers when their interests clash with those in positions of power.
“When any investor wants to invest and is in conflict with these people, there are lots of obstructions,” he said.
Mr Maharaj pointed to a hotel development at JJs On The Park, stating that despite a Supreme Court ruling allowing businessman Vinesh Dayal and landowner stakeholders to proceed with a $10 million project, a stop-work notice was issued by the town council.
“Even after the Supreme Court ruling… the town council served them a notice to stop work. This is not on,” he said.
The remarks prompted an immediate point of order from Minister Lynda Tabuya, who argued that the Opposition MP was implying improper conduct without evidence.
“Under Standing Order 62(1)… if he has proof, he needs to show it and go through the proper process,” Ms Tabuya said.
Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko intervened, reminding members that allegations of wrongdoing must be substantiated.
“The provision says that you cannot impute any bad intentions on anyone… unless you can prove conclusively that is the case,” the Speaker said.
He cautioned Mr Maharaj against making broad or generalised claims, advising that such statements would not be in order without proper evidence.
The exchange underscores ongoing political tensions over local governance, investor confidence and accountability in municipal decision-making.
