Transparency International Fiji says the interim government must explain fully their reasoning behind their decision to deport another ex pat newspaper publisher or face a reaction from investors.
The Australian was working as the Publisher of the Fiji Times newspaper, but was forced to leave the country on Tuesday, after being declared an illegal immigrant.
The deputy chair of TI, Dave Aidney, says for transparency and accountability reasons, authorities must explain the legal basis for Mr Gardner's expulsion, as it has sent a negative message to foreign investors.
"We're asking the Minister for Immigration to explain to everyone in Fiji, particularly those investors that are in Fiji, on what legal basis was Mr Gardner expelled from the country? We have enough challenges trying to run businesses in Fiji. So we really need to be promoting investor confidence, which such actions simply will destroy."
Dave Aidney says the Fiji times newspaper has been a long term business operator in Fiji for over a century.
Rex Gardner's predecessor at the newspaper, Australian Evan Hannah, was also deported by authorities last May.
