He’s not just illegal AG, he’s also Minister for Public Enterprises, not to forget Trade and Industry, which means he’s into getting control of everything Government does. Elizabeth Powell has made the announcement stripping the Fiji Hardwood Corporation of most of its powers over harvesting of mahogany, but it’s Khaiyum pulling the strings. As with all government bodies, we never see any financial reports. We know that FHCL is saddled with debt, but we have no idea why. Landowners have no way of knowing if they’re getting fair value for their timber. The winner out of this process is Touchwood Investments, a company which started in Sri Lanka. Other local companies seem likely to get the lesser grades. How this was all worked out, no-one but Bainimarama and Khaiyum know.
Fiji Times, April 13, 2013 Miller turns forester
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