The general consensus on the sugar bill consultations at Tavua yesterday was that the Sugar Industry Tribunal and sugar disputes must follow the same procedure.

This was echoed by 40 plus farmers before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. The consultation is based on Bills 19-Reforms of Sugar Cane Industry Bill 2016, and Bill 20 which is a Bill for an Act to amend the Sugar Cane Growers Fund Act (Cap.207).

It was held at Balata College, Tavua.

The farmers agreed that the Sugar Industry Tribunal should remain as it is and function independently.

Also that all disputes were to follow the same procedure presently used and not to be sent to the Permanent Secretary for Sugar.

Chairperson of the Standing Committee Lorna Eden said the bills proposed to have nine representative on the Sugar Cane Growers Council.

Two representatives from Rarawai, Penang Cane Producers Association, two from Labasa Cane Producers Association, two from Lautoka Cane Producers Association and one representative from the Ministry of Sugar and the Commissioner Western and Commissioner Northern.

Meanwhile, trade unionist Attar Singh was told to give a chance for others to give their submissions after claiming that Government had not listened to his previous submissions.

“In the last round of consultations, I made presentations at the Ba Civic Centre and our’s was very comprehensive submission dealing with every aspect of the two bills,” Mr Singh said.

“I have learnt from the media report recently that there have been certain changes proposed to the Bills as they were originally presented.

“You have made two rounds of consultations but you have not listened. Neither have you listened nor seems the Government has listened to whatever you have presented to the Government.”

Deputy chairperson of the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Vijay Nath told Mr Singh to stick to the topic and give everybody a chance to speak.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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