Fiji Taxi Association has elected for the first time a president from the west
New executive members of the Fiji Taxi Association with president Mohammed Hafiz (fourth from left). Photo: Paulini Ratulailai
SUVA
Mohammed Hafiz, the Fiji Taxi Association’s newly-elected president, assures of bringing the ‘house in order’ so that the association is run smoothly during his term.
“We have got a lot of issue in all the branches and we’re going to look after those issues,” Mr Hafiz said.
“But at the top of the list is a plan to bring in-house order and then of course we’ve got issues with LTA and the municipals.”
His comments follow after a few branches were not permitted to vote on issues that they had not paid their individual registration of $20.
It caused a stir amongst members and was apparent that the association could have split at time, however a call for ‘order’ was maintained as elections continued.
Ram is back
It was also noted that controversial former general secretary, Rishi Ram was back into the fold. He maintains his former position as it seemed he had stream of confident voters backing him.
Mr Ram was relieved off his duties last year pending investigations of ‘abuse of office’.
In supporting Mr Ram, Mr Hafiz said: “As far as I’m concerned, until today he has not even been charged. A person is innocent until such time he is proven guilty by the court.
“If he’s a free man, he’s got the right to contest. If he’s found guilty later on then he will lose his position automatically.”
He added that according to auditor’s report, no money was missing.
Term plans
“Other immediate plans will be the formation of branches, including Suva. Suva being the capital of Fiji has no branch.”
Executive members
Fiji Taxi Association
-President: Mohammed Hafiz
-Vice President: Rajesh Sharma
-Vice President: Thomas Osbourne
-Secretary General: Rishi Ram
-Treasurer: Sunil Sharma
-New branch members in major urban centres were also elected.
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