Charan Jeath Singh explains absence after yellow card

Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh has denied claims he was absent from Parliament without explanation, saying he had “other commitments” after being yellow-carded and ordered out of the House for an hour and a half yesterday.

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu had raised concerns over Mr Singh’s absence during debate on the Sugar Cane Growers Council 2022 Annual Report.

Mr Seruiratu also noted that Mr Singh had not attended a single Select Committee on Sugar consultation. Mr Singh said he returned to his office after leaving Parliament to meet an overseas delegation.

“I went for one and a half hour, but thereafter I had a very urgent meeting with some delegation from overseas,” he said.

“I thought that Parliament would finish pretty early. But by the time I went home, then I could see that they were still on and on here.”

Mr Singh said he had informed Speaker Filimone Jitoko that he would be away for the rest of the day. “There’s nothing to say that I was upset,” he said.

Mr Jitoko earlier told the House he would not cast aspersions on Mr Singh’s absence, leaving it to his “good judgement” to explain.

Sugar portfolio

On the sugar portfolio, Mr Singh confirmed he was still waiting for formal gazettal despite receiving a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office confirming his return to the ministry.

“Until that doesn’t happen, I can’t be seen as an official minister of sugar,” he said.

He added that Mr Kamikamica would take over the Public Enterprises portfolio.