Newly-elected office bearers say election results conducted under constitution
Christopher Dean of PA Lal Group (left) shows their new product to Dhiren Singh (right) of Taunovo Buses during Fiji Bus operators annual general meeting yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR.
By RANOBA BAOA
United we stand, divided we fall was the sentiments given by newly-elected president of the Fiji Bus Operators Association, Virendra Kewal.
Mr Kewal director of Island Bus Limited made these comments in light of his new appointment and heated conclusions during the association’s annual general meeting.
While thanking his colleagues for their confidence Mr Kewal said: “I hope we will combine and work together to move forward because there are a lot of issues that we have to deal with and it’s not an easy job.”
Election results
• President- Virendra Kewal
• Vice President- Richard Lal
• Vice President- Parmod Chand
• General Secretary- Rohit Latchan unopposed
• All other office bearers were also elected unopposed.
While the association’s annual convention finished off with a positive note, the annual general meeting on the other hand ended on somewhat of a heated note.
In response to this Mr Kewal said he hoped all the bus operators would come together and work out their issues.
“Well that is something very unusual normally we don’t have these issues but there is a constitution that we would like to follow.
“And we will abide by whatever the constitution says but I think we should be alright later on.”
Sun Business understands that the results of the new members into the board and executives were done according to the constitution and bylaws stipulated under association’s constitution.
A few members’ votes were considered void because they had not paid association subscription or were overdue in payment.
Sun Business understands subscription for membership needs to be paid on time over a certain period.
Sun Business interviewed some of the members whose votes were not counted and said that their subscriptions and arrears had been cleared prior to the meeting.
Annual association convention
Meanwhile the results of the convention during the day ended with a positive note.
Association members prior to the annual general meeting were given presentations on a number of issues.
Chief guest for the convention the Permanent Secretary for Finance Filimoni Waqabaca said the transport industry was a vital sector for the economy.
“The transport sector contributes quite significantly to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) specifi cally on land transportation which is around one per cent and has grown over the years,” Mr Waqabaca said.
“Government has, for the fi rst time, allocated capital expenditure of more than $700 million in the 2013 budget; a bold step towards raising investment and growth and this represents 32 per cent of our budget.”
Twist of events
Interestingly in a turn of events during the bus association’s event, Vodafone Fiji the backend provider of the controversial e-ticketing is reviewing its offers to bus operators.
Vodafone Fiji chief executive officer Aslam Khan confirmed this to Sun Business last night.
“We are sharpening our pencils,” Mr Khan said.
He said he did not want to comment any further as finalised results are expected this come this week.
Sun Business understands that the Land Transport Authority of Fiji is yet to come up with a Minimum Service Requirement scheme or specifications for e-ticketing solution providers.
The specifications are drawn so that the providers fully comply with recommendations as per requirement.
Save 35 per cent: Digicel
In an earlier statement last week Digicel Fiji chief executive officer, Maurice McCarthy stated: “We are delighted to come on board as a solution provider for the e-ticketing system.
“With savings of over 35 per cent, bus operators will be able to reinvest it back into their businesses ultimately improving the transport system and benefitting the general public”.
Tebara Transport Limited chief executive officer Arvin Maharaj has welcomed the e-ticketing open market and is still negotiating with Digicel on their offer.
“This is all thanks to the Attorney-General for opening it (e-ticketing solution market) up and providing competition.”