29 Sep 2010

Head of Fiji Sugar Corporation resigns

10:37 am on 29 September 2010

The permanent secretary for Sugar, Manasa Vaniqi, has thanked outgoing Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO, Deo Saran, for his valuable contribution to the sugar industry.

Mr Saran confirmed to FBC News in Lautoka that he tendered his notice of resignation to the FSC Board with deep regret last week.

His resignation is effective from the 15th of next month.

Mr Saran says the current financial and operational difficulties of the FSC emanates from a 2005 decision to massively upgrade the mills.

He says the FSC took on this mammoth task which placed huge challenges and burden on the staff, and a huge commitment in financial resources.

He came into the position in 2008 and reveals that as the CEO he was tasked to complete the mill upgrade as soon as possible which was - at that time - already behind schedule by more than a year.

He says he is glad the mills were upgraded on time for the start of the 2009 crushing season.

Despite the current challenges faced by the sugar industry Mr Saran says he is satisfied that he has taken the FSC through one of its most difficult times.