Fiji Labour Party Raises Concerns Over Media Engagement with Fiji Water

The Fiji Labour Party has expressed strong concern over what it describes as undue influence exerted by Fiji Water on members of the Fijian media, following a recent tour organized by the company in the United States.

According to the Party, prominent media figures were flown to California where they were hosted by Stewart Resnick, owner of the tax-exempt Fiji Water company.

The visit included luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and tours of the company’s advanced fruit and nut farming operations.

“The ease with which sections of the media accepted these corporate perks raises serious ethical questions,” the Party stated. “Fiji Water has long faced criticism for avoiding hundreds of millions of dollars in tax obligations owed to the people of Fiji. Accepting such hospitality undermines journalistic independence and feeds into corporate manipulation.”

The Labour Party also pointed out the media’s failure to follow up on previous promises made by Fiji Water. In May 2024, the company announced plans to establish lime, lemon, papaya, and pineapple farms in the South-West of Viti Levu, between Nadi and Sigatoka. A small delegation from the company reportedly visited the area last July, but there has been no public update since.

“Was this just a publicity stunt?” the Party questioned. “Why didn’t any of the journalists ask the Resnicks about the progress of these promised developments?”

The Labour Party further criticized the current media landscape, stating that journalistic standards have continued to deteriorate under the Coalition government’s media funding initiatives. It pointed to recent government payouts, including a $1.7 million agreement with Communications Fiji Limited, aimed at staging various events and talk sessions with government ministers.

“The so-called ‘free media’ is now being bought out, piece by piece, by the very government it should be holding accountable,” the Party said. “The result is a media environment that amplifies government propaganda while turning a blind eye to corporate exploitation.”

The Labour Party also condemned the government’s continued support for Fiji Water’s tax-free status, describing it as a betrayal of everyday Fijians who are now burdened with increased VAT amidst a growing cost-of-living crisis.

“While ordinary citizens struggle, Fiji Water continues to enjoy tax exemptions—courtesy of Biman, Rabuka, and Richard. And the media? Instead of asking the hard questions, they’re posing for pictures in California,” the statement concluded.