$150,000 Rolex Watch Spotted on PM Rabuka's Wrist

Veteran journalist and publisher of Grubsheet.com.au, Graham Davis, has questioned how Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka can afford a Rolex watch valued at FJ$150,000 and a gold-coated Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen, valued at over FJ$1,600, while earning an annual salary of FJ$320,000.

The luxury timepiece, is believed to be a Rolex Day-Date with a “President” bracelet valued at a staggering USD 65,925 (FJD 152,363).

Davis, a long-time political commentator, has pointed out that even with the prime minister’s salary and extensive travel allowances, such an expensive item remains out of reach for most Fijians—especially given Rabuka’s previous claims of financial hardship before taking office.

Adding to the intrigue, Davis recalled that Rabuka had been gifted a similar Rolex in 1987 by Mahendra “Mac” Patel, the former head of the Motibhai Group, which holds the Rolex concession in Fiji.

Davis has asked whether these items were received as gifts and, if so, whether any obligations or favours were exchanged in return.

Fiji does not currently have laws requiring politicians to declare high-value gifts, unlike countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

Davis has also questioned Rabuka’s recent visit to the Beverly Hills home of Stewart and Lynda Resnick, the billionaire owners of Fiji Water.

This meeting preceded the Fijian government’s decision to grant the company a seven-year corporate tax holiday, a move that has saved the company millions.

While there is no evidence linking the visit to the tax break, Davis argues that the timing raises legitimate questions.

We have sent questions to the prime minister.