new appointments Prasad Heads Vehicle Body

Fiji Van and Carrier Operators Association yesterday elected new office bearers.
JYOTI PRATIBHA
NADI
This association is relatively different from other associations looking after the welfare of stakeholders in the transport industry.
The Association has been giving voice to illegal operators who continue to operate across the country.
In fact, a substantial number of their 97 members are illegal operators and some of the office bearers of the Association had been illegal operators for decades.
Secretary Mr Khan explained that illegal operators existed because there is a demand for their service, adding that these operators have been forced to operate illegally in the absence of permits issued to them.
When the floor opened for discussion with Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, one Nadi member said he had been operating illegally for 25 years. A second member from Nausori- Arun Prasad had been operating illegally for 15 years.
Mr Khan said these operators had been disadvantaged because the system which was to look after the welfare of all, caterer just for a few.
“The freeze on permits has been imposed now. It was not done 15 or 25 years ago. Yet, the authorities picked and chose who to give permits to. This was done through under the table dealings. Those who could not pay extras in bribe were pushed to the side.
“We are very happy that Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has undertaken widespread consultation in this sector through the Anti-Corruption Ministry. At least when the freeze now is lifted, it will be done in the right manner and those who meet all criteria would get permits,” Mr Khan said.
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