'I was not demoted' — Minister Singh tells Opposition

I was not demoted.

That was the blunt response from Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Public Enterprises Charan Jeath Singh in Parliament amid claims from the Opposition about changes to his ministerial portfolio.

Singh dismissed suggestions he had been demoted, saying his responsibilities had in fact increased significantly.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reshuffled Mr Singh as Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs to Minister for Public Enterprises and Multi-Ethnic Affairs.

“Now, some Members are saying that I got demoted. The honourable Leader of the Opposition, you know how demotion and promotion happen in the Civil Service?”

He told the House that the new portfolio placed more sectors under his responsibility.

“Honourable Members, I have been promoted from five sectors to 22 sectors in Public Enterprises. That is a promotion, unless you Members have a miscalculation or have never been to school to understand.”

Singh thanked Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for the confidence placed in him to oversee both the Public Enterprises and the Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts portfolios.

“Mr Speaker, Sir, allow me to first express my sincere appreciation to the honourable Prime Minister for the confidence placed in me to serve as Minister of Public Enterprises as well as the Minister responsible for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts.”

He said combining the portfolios would strengthen both the social and economic pillars of national development.

“Mr. Speaker. Sir, it is all about good governance. The integration of these portfolios represents a unique opportunity to strengthen both the social and economic pillars of our national development.”

Singh said the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs played a key role in promoting unity and social cohesion in Fiji.

“Social cohesion does not happen by chance, it must be nurtured through inclusive policies, community engagement and respect for Fiji’s cultural diversity.”

He highlighted the Multi-Ethnic Grants Programme as a key initiative supporting communities across the country.

“Mr. Speaker, Sir, this year the allocation has increased to $2 million, representing an increase of $700,000 from the previous financial year.”

Singh said demand for the programme had grown significantly.

“Last year, the Ministry received 312 applications, of which 202 community-based organisations were supported.”

“This year, the application has increased significantly to 1,074, demonstrating both the growing needs of our communities and the trust they continue to place in the Government's programmes.”

He said the Ministry was currently processing hundreds of approved applications.

“Currently, my Ministry is processing 542 approved applications under this programme.”

Singh said he recently distributed grants to communities in the Western Division.

“Just last week, I was in the Western Division, where I had the privilege of personally distributing grants to 84 recipients in the South-Western region.”

He said the programme supported a wide range of community projects.

“Through these grants communities have undertaken projects ranging from water and borehole systems, accessibility improvements, community infrastructure, cultural and educational initiatives, solar installations and facility upgrades.”