Controversy has broken out in Fiji over the decision of Suva-based NGOs to call for nominations for the worst trans-national corporation operating in Fiji.
The award has been promoted by the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) and the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy.
PANG's coordinator, Stanley Simpson, says the Draunisalato Award will be given to the transnational company which has the worst record in some or all of several fields.
These include abuse or workers, political interference, environmental damage, cultural imperialism, monopoly, profiteering, running an ideological crusade, impact on women and the health and safety of workers and the public.
But another NGO, the Fiji Council of Social Services, has dissociated itself from the award, saying the business sector contributes at least 2.5 million US dollars every year in cash and kind to needs identified by local community organisations.
In reply, Mr Simpson says companies which have a good relationship with the community and civil society have nothing to fear because it will be members of the public who will be making nominations for the award.
