Gavoka says use Fijian academics to consult for programs like COP23 while AG says that sometimes the capacity does not exist in Fiji

By Dhanjay Deo

Thursday 16/05/2019

[Photo: Fijian Parliament/Facebook] L-R: Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and SODELPA MP Viliame Gavoka

SODELPA MP Viliame Gavoka has raised concern that government is using overseas based consultants which is a costly exercise however Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says that sometimes the capacity does not exist in Fiji and they have to engage overseas based consultants.

While speaking during the debate on the Review Report on the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism 2014 Annual Report,

Gavoka said the unfortunate thing is that overseas consultants cost a lot of money and suggested that for COP23 and Climate Change programs government should use academics from Fiji as we have three universities.

He also claimed that the former Chief Negotiator for COP23 had also spoken against the overseas consultants.

Sayed-Khaiyum told the parliamentarians that the Chief Negotiator for COP 23 Nazhat Shameem was replaced by Luke Daunivalu.