Update on New Fiji Regulations

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-08-25 19:28:48
Countries: Fiji

August 23, 2008

It is indeed a shame that just as we are getting somewhere with the government there has been re-shuffling. The Prime Minister is now the interim Finance Minister, the Attorney General is now the Interim Tourism Minister, so they are holding two portfolios.

Although I note in the newspaper yesterday the A-G has acknowledged that tourism has made a significant impact in the economy of the country and in order to make progress all stakeholders need to work together!!

I also know that with the last rule chnage, the reduction in stay from 18 months to 6 months, we had initially approached the PM's office prior to going to the Finance Ministry so it was on the PM's instructions that we were able to get an audience with Chaudhary and his CEO's to change this rule. We now have the 9 months compared to the 12 months.

The PM's secretary, Pramesh Chand, was very active in pushing for a meeting as well, he is familiar with yachting having lived in NZ for a while, knows Brian Hepburn of the Island Cruising Association well and has sailed several times (something not many of our govt. officials do hence do not quite understand).

With this in mind we will directly approach the Prime Minister's office to seek the return of the 3 month stay, we will also actively pursue the return of the 18 months stay as previously.

Last Thursday I have faxed through all protest letters received to date to the PM's office addressed to him and a copy to the Attorney General's office, I will actively pursue these two offices to get an audience at least.

Regards, Milli
Vuda Point Marina, Fiji
vudamarina@connect.com.fj