29 Dec 2006

CEO of Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Council protests his suspension by the military

11:21 am on 29 December 2006

The chief executive officer of the Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Council, Jagannath Sami, says his suspension by the military regime is unjustified.

In a letter to the head of the military, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Sami said the Sugar Industry Act of 1984, which provides procedures for his removal, is still intact.

Sami told Fijilive.com that he had said in his letter that his appointment was made by the Board of Directors under the Act and only they can remove him.

He also denounces allegations of mismanagement saying that these should be investigated by a tribunal as stipulated in the Act.

Commodore Bainimarama has questioned a trip taken by directors of the council to India while making the allegations.

Sami has provided a breakdown of costs incurred in the trip saying that it is only half of what the military head claims.

Mr Sami says he's not sure what reaction he will get from the Commodore regarding the letter.

"I am writing to him advising him the procedures that is provided for under the Sugar Industry Act and let us see what does he do."