1 Mar 2006

Australian man claims meeting imminent with Fiji government leaders on finance deal

5:29 pm on 1 March 2006

The man behind the proposed new 3.5 billion US dollar bank for indigenous Fijians says it is no business of the public to be concerned about their deal with the organisation describing itself as the Office of International Treasury Control.

The self-styled Chief of Cabinet of the organisation, Dr Keith Scott of Australia, made the offer to finance the bank with overseas money at a meeting of 215 of Fiji's middle level chiefs known as the Bose Ni Turanga.

Radio Legend reports that no details of the organisation or of Dr Scott or how such a substantial amount would be given have been provided at the meeting.

Some top government officials are reported to be concerned about what is being discussed at the chiefs' meeting after the announcement of the money yesterday.

The convenor of the meeting and president of the Viti Land and Resource Owners Association, Ratu Osea Gavidi, has told Radio Legend that such information is only for the chiefs and not anyone else's business.

Meanwhile, Dr Scott says he wants a decision from Fiji within days and will be meeting the prime minister, the finance minister and the governor of the Reserve Bank to finalise details.

Dr Scott says he will be providing them with all the transfer documents for the 3.5 billion US dollars to be used to set up the bank.

The Reserve Bank has given the Viti Land and Resource Owners Association a check list of requirements to be fulfilled because a banking licence can be issued.