Bula Vinaka and Namaste

Acknowledge the presence Tui Viotgo – Ratu Jone Sovasova

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small & Medium Enterprises & Communications- Hon Manoa Kamikamica

Permanent Secretary for Multi Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry – Dr Vinesh Kumar.

Founder of Vuvale Outsourcing Pte Ltd, subsidiary of BDE Group – Mr Mike Blok

Sugar Cane Growers Fund Chairman – Mr Ahamed Bhamji

Fiji Education for Needy Children Divisional Coordinator – Mr Saimoni Pareti   

All the sugar industry stakeholders

Invited guests and ladies and gentlemen

I am honored to be present this afternoon on this occasion. The contribution and consideration given by Vuvale Outsourcing Pte Ltd through Foundation for Education for Needy Children is remarkable.

Mike, by donating these pants, you’re not just contributing as charity but more importantly, your donations provide essential items to individuals and families who may be struggling to afford basic necessities. New pants for our farmers and cane cutters can make a significant difference in someone’s life, providing comfort, dignity. 

Many charities rely on clothing donations to support their programs, such as shelters for the homeless, organizations that help people re-enter the workforce, and disaster relief efforts.

What I know about the Vuvale Outsourcing Pte Ltd based in Nabua ( CJS Building ), have created jobs for many people and this is some of the extra that have taken on board . So thank you

We note that this is the second project and first one was worth $1.5m that has gone to the school children.

This consignment of the pants directed to farmers or their laborers is really appreciated and the efforts made by Sugar Cane Growers Fund is acknowledged 

I also note that it is no easy to get the consignments from overseas and that is for charity- getting duty waiver, documentation, storage and keeping records.  Thank You

From the Ministry side- so coordinated through Sugar Cane Growers Funds so all the sugar industry stakeholders will support in getting to those really in need. 

What I am advised that part of consignment will be also shipped to Labasa and distributed accordingly.

I also note that Sugar Cane Growers Fund has been actively involved in many of the charitable work and this adds to the list not only for them but for the industry as whole.

For the Sugar industry – government is doing so much with various assistance programs such as New Farmer Lease Grants, Fertilizers and Weedicide subsidy, manual harvest to name a few.

Today we have launched a toll free number 1569 – for any assistance and complaints that you.       

This morning we have handed over New Farmer and Lease Renal Grants to our growers.  We understand that in next 6-7 years some of the lease in this area will be expiring and my humble request to Tui Vitogo , please consider to renew the lease for the mutual interest of the tenants, landowners , industry and the country as whole. 

Finally, I thank the DPM Hon Kamikamica, the community, farmers and of course the Vuavale Outsourcing Pte Ltd.