War of words after question raised in parliament about Govt's $10M cane subsidy

A war of words erupted in parliament this morning as the first question was raised on the government’s $10 million subsidy for cane farmers affected by Cyclone Winston.

Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum again launched an attack on the National Federation Party saying that they have disrespected the cane farmers of this country.

He referred to comments made by the NFP in one of the daily newspapers.

While responding to Sayed-Khaiyum NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad said that it is hilarious that the Minister for Economy keeps blaming the politicians.

Prasad said the $10 million subsidy for cane farmers was only a band aid solution.

Sayed-Khaiyum then said that the issue of improving the production level should not only be used to highlight the competency of the government.

He also said that he was disappointed with some messages being spread by politicians.

SODELPA’s Viliame Gavoka then asked Sayed-Khaiyum if the Fiji First government had promised cane farmers $85 a tonne before the elections in 2014.

Sayed-Khaiyum responded and asked Gavoka where he got his information saying if he could provide the source of his information then it could be given some reliability.

Responding this afternoon, NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says they are not using ethnicity and religion in their campaigns.