Unionist warns of possible Fiji sugar industry collapse

A representative of Fiji’s sugar workers, Felix Anthony, says the sugar industry risks collapse if a new, strong and permanent leader isn’t chosen soon to run the Fiji Sugar Corporation.

John Prasad has been appointed for three months to head the corporation following the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Deo Saran.

The FSC’s chairman also stepped down earlier in the month.

The resignations came as the corporation announced a 93 million US dollar loss for the last financial year and the European Union extended its sanctions on Fiji for another six months, including direct assistance to the sugar industry.

The General Secretary of the Fiji Sugar and General Workers Union, Felix Anthony, says it’s bad timing for a change in leadership midway through the crushing season.

“The sugar industry is at a crossroads at the moment and if it is not going to be managed right then there is a possibility of the collapse of the industry so we need a strong leadership in the industry and we don’t have the luxury of time.”

Felix Anthony of the Fiji Sugar and General Workers Union.

source: rnzi