Social Democratic Liberal Party Member of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu stood against his party members’ who had strongly opposed a Government motion to amend the loan guarantee period for Fiji Airways.

Mr Bulitavu yesterday supported the motion by the Government and said that it was time that leaders and Members of Parliament make important decisions that will prepare the nation in its economic recovery process.

The motion was passed in Parliament yesterday. Parliament approved that the Government guarantee Fiji Airways borrowings consisting of a mix of domestic borrowings up to FJ$191.1 million and offshore borrowings up to $US117.1 million with a total limit of approximately FJ$455 million valid until the guaranteed facilities are discharged by the lender or fully settled.

Fiji Airways would pay a one-off fee of 15 per cent on the FJ$455 million government guarantee.

While members of the opposition strongly opposed the motion, Mr Bulitavu said: “To me, my views are very clear, we as a nation need to work together.

“These are trying times, and the motion that is before us calls on us leaders to make a very important decision in terms of our economy.

“We need the airplanes in Fiji Airways in the lead for economic recovery under travel and trade when travels resume safely.”

Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, while speaking on the motion said the Fijian government did not provide direct budget support like most governments and has opted for the guarantee which includes guarantees to all the institutions and companies that have lent or leasing aircrafts to Fiji Airways.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said that the airline did not want a cliff situation where all loans become payable at one point in time.

He added that the move was crucial to ensure that not all the loans matured in seven years’ time.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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