Differences continue within Fiji Cancer Society

Differences within the Fiji Cancer Society continue while funds raised to assist cancer patients and their families remain frozen.

Fijivillage has now established that the Interim President of the Cancer Society, Doctor Tukaha Mua and his board have been locked out of the Cancer Society office.

They do not have access to any of the records kept in the office and cannot move ahead to organize meetings and sort out matters to ensure that almost 900 thousand dollars which are frozen at the bank are opened up to assist cancer patients.

Almost half a million dollars of those funds were collected through the Walk On Walk Strong campaign to assist children living with cancer. According to the audited accounts provided by the Walk On Walk Strong committee, the funds are intact however they cannot access it as it is kept in a Cancer Society account which has joint signatories from the Fiji Cancer Society and WOWS.

Many of the children who were awaiting assistance have passed away and a number of cancer patients have also passed on or have been without any assistance due to these unresolved issues.

When contacted by Fijivillage, Fiji Cancer Society Interim President, Doctor Mua said they cannot do much now.

Doctor Mua said it seems he is no longer in control of the Cancer Society.

The Walk On Walk Strong Committee has already called on the Fiji Cancer Society to resolve its internal issues as it is stopping the promised assistance to the children living with cancer and their parents. Plans to set up a resource centre by WOWS are also on hold as the funds are frozen from last year.

These funds cannot be released until the Fiji Cancer Society has a proper meeting and appoints the executives to the board that are recognized by the trustees.

We have sent questions to the trustees of the Cancer Society,  Doctor Mary Schramm, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi and Suliana Siwatibau.

We are now awaiting a response from them on whether they will take any steps to resolve these matters.

Story by: Vijay Narayan