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Chairman of Sugar Cane Growers Fund: Mr. Ahemad Bhamji’s Speech during the Launch of Prime Minister’s Sugar Cane Farmers Awards 2025

Acknowledge the presence of Turaga -ni -Tui Vitogo
 Chief Guest—Prime Minister & Minister for Foreign Affairs, Civil Service and Public Enterprises Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka
 Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs & Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh
 Permanent Secretary —Dr. Vinesh Kumar
 Commissioner Western
 Members of the Diplomatic Corps—the Indian High Commissioner. H.E Shiri Metha Ji
 Government Officials & Sugar Industry Stakeholders—Board and Management
 Sugar Cane Growers Fund Fellow Board Members, CEO Management and staff
 Our Respected Sugar Cane Farmers
 Sponsors, Media representatives, Ladies & Gentlemen
Introductory Remarks

  1. This is a historic day for Fiji and for the Sugar Industry. Despite challenges and many of the setbacks, we all are here with a common objective and commitment to show that Sugar Industry of Fiji is here to stay.
  2. Over the years and as of now, many of the towns and city, -Lautoka, continue to be directly or indirectly dependent on the Sugar Industry.
  3. The presence of the Prime Minister and the Award being named as Prime Minister’s Award further signifies and solidifies the assurance for the government. Thank you Hon Prime Minister.
  4. These awards have been planned for the last 6 years or so and did not eventuate. We at the Sugar Cane Growers Fund are honored to initiate and revive after many years, Hon. Prime Minister.
  5. For this, I must thank Hon. Minister Singh and the Ministry for the direction, support, and concurrence, despite some challenges. I thank my Board, CEO, Management, and Staff for the drive.
  6. It is a total stakeholder inclusive Program that includes – FSC, Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, Sugar Cane Growers Council, South Pacific Fertilizer, Sugar Industry Tribunal and Ministry of Sugar Industry.
  7. This 2025 Program is led by us, SCGF and next year we invite other stakeholders to take the lead, and that will become an annual event. The actual award function is planned next year by May.
  8. Iam delighted to say that we at SCGF advocate these prestigious recognition program that celebrates the hard work, dedication, and contributions of our Sugarcane Farmers.
  9. I must thank all the sponsors that have come on board; that shows their commitments and their confidence in the industry. I am also honored to say that with SCGF, Reserve Bank of Fiji and Capital Insurance Limited have come in as Platinum Sponsors, each contributing $10,000 as of now. Thank you for your generous support.
  10. We offer a variety of sponsorship packages, each designed to maximize brand visibility and provide significant opportunities for networking with industry leaders. The categories are:
     Platinum Sponsors- $10,000
     Gold sponsors – $4,000
     Silver sponsors – $2,000
     Bronze sponsor – $1.000
  11. For the corporates and especially the commercial banks, you to join us. Join us and connect to the roots of who were once-the backbone. This will consolidate your corporate social responsibility The sponsorship will position you at the forefront, and this high-profile branding and engagement opportunity will go long way. We still have many of the opportunities and spaces for you. There are over 10,000 growers so for platinum sponsorship, this will mean $1 per grower.
  12. The award events are planned to be held in all the three cane mill areas and the main one at National level.
    About SCGF and Its Commitment to the Industry
  13. We have been always at the forefront of the industry as a trust fund and statutory authority, and have played an important role prudently.
  14. We have tried to maintain the good governance and the best practices as a lending institution despite various inherent risks.
  15. In recent times, we have allowed many flexibilities in lending guidelines. This includes reduction of interest rates from 6 percent to 4.5 percent per annum and reviewing the loan terms and conditions.
  16. We have continued to tailor-make loan products, Hon Prime Minister, to support government programs, such as New Cane Farmer Loans and House Repair Termite Loans products that has interest rate of 2.99% p a for 12 months and then 4.5% pa variable.
  17. I must also acknowledge the support of United Nation Capital Development Fund and the Asian Development Fund for the support and grants provided to improve our products and services in reaching the rural space.
  18. Hon. Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, Sugar Cane Growers Fund in the last two months
    a. Introduced Capital Insurance Mortgage Protection, premium paid on behalf of the growers by SCGF and while it is unfortunate, the first claim was paid for Labasa grower Mrs Vikrama Chand last week. Thank you CEO Capital Insurance.
    b. We have signed off with Sun Insurance, a very competitive house insurance premium package, $140.25 pa for $20,000 and $168.75 pa for $30,000. So far 14 growers have taken the covers in the last two weeks.
    c. The Loyalty program also provides benefits to our growers with 2280 members so far and 23 service providers; we continue to assist with no cost to growers and no benefits to SCGF. It is our vision to serve them genuinely.
  19. We have ensured that Balance sheet is managed effectively and diversified within the ambits of the legal framework.
  20. As a fiduciary duty of the trust fund, the surplus funds, not earning any major returns in the banks, have been invested in real estates and returns which are decent and consistent, redirected to growers in the form of Mortgage Protection Insurance Premium, Interest Rate Reduction, Loyalty programs, and various Discounted or Waived Fees, supporting National Development Plan and SD Goals.
  21. This is in excess of $1 million, a substantial direct investment for the industry and growers for this year.
  22. One of the such investment properties, SCGF is in the initial stage of planning. Hon. Prime Minister, we request that if the Government and even any of the stakeholders like FSC wishes to occupy it, it will be an investment redirect to the sugar industry. We invite you, Hon. Prime Minister to bless the project by visiting the site on your way back this afternoon. It is a historic CSR Garage site, which goes back to the 1930.
  23. We continue to look at the transformation of the institution, and as such with the concurrence and approval of the Ministry, SCGF has commenced its Act Review exercise too. This is also aligned to the provisions of the National Development plan initiative.
    Rarawai Mill Damages
  24. For Rarawai Mill, we have extended our sincere concern and solidarity with the Fiji Sugar Corporation and our growers following the unfortunate incident that occurred on 17 September at Ba Mill.
  25. This situation is deeply felt by us and it would have on the industry as the mill remains central to the livelihoods of growers, workers, and the economy at large.
  26. Within the 3 days of the incident, SCGF proactively made an announcement that all the loans for the Western Growers relating to cane harvesting, transportation, and hardship will have waiver of Documentation and Application Fee and that remains until harvesting is over.
  27. We have also extended assistance to FSC and the discussions are in progress.
    Conclusion
    Finally, once again I thank the Hon Prime Minister for your presence, thank the Minister and Ministry for giving SCGF opportunity to initiate and lead the awards for 2025. I must thank the sponsors, the Committee and everyone.
    Vinaka vakalevu