FLP candidate Arvin Datt (left), enjoys a light moment with supporters at Narere in Nasinu
As the war of words rage between Rajendra Chaudhry and FLP candidates, one of them, ARVIND DATT, gives his side of the story to Fijileaks, speaking through a third person:
1. Arvin Datt had resigned out of his own will from every employer he had worked for except Fiji TV. He (Arvin) had a very successful working career and progressed to senior levels in different organisations through hard work and excellent performance.
2. He had resigned FIRCA to join Suva City Council as Director Finance. At FIRCA, he had ongoing personal differences with one Nemani Marawai, HR Executive of FIRCA at the time. When Arvin resigned he had a pending leave claim. Nemani pushed with the CEO at the time that Arvin’s resignation should not be accepted and he be asked to refund the overtime which was paid to him. Arvin Datt was not aware of this back-office issue which only surfaced during 2007 when he was appointed as FIRCA board member. The overtime in question was in relation to a MAJOR FRAUD at the Nadi Airport involving a customs cashier which Arvin had uncovered from his daily reconciliation and audit. The cashier at the time was pocketing all the cash and destroying the cheques to avoid detection. The amount was in excess of $1.3 million and it was growing as investigation continued. The CEO at that time not only gave authority to Arvin to carry out the detail investigation which was outside his normal duties but he was asked to work overtime and weekends. At that time a full-time accountant position was also created in the west office to check these banking and reconciliation on daily basis. Arvin had claimed overtime which was approved and paid. Only issue was whether he qualified for the overtime pay as his position was of senior accountant. It was a special duty and the very HR officer, who was even senior than Arvin at the time, had claimed and was paid overtime. So it was non issue from CEO’s point of view.
3. His Migration to Australia in 2010. Rajendra alleges that Arvin had migrated to Australia in 2010. This is absolutely incorrect. In January 2012 Arvin's wife took one year “non-pay” leave to move to Australia. They were still in Fiji during 2010, 2011 & 2012. His wife was the Vice-Principal at one of the colleges in Suva. Arvin had been travelling to and fro since 2013 to spend time with his family and still be in Fiji to manage his business and properties. He still has his business, his properties in Fiji. Rajendra's allegation is absolutely LIES and mischievous.
4. Sacked as a Board Member. This is again another mischief-making and a complete lie. Arvin has resigned from Fiji Sports Council Board to join FIRCA board at the time. When Fiji Labour Party members resigned from the current government in 2008, Arvin also resigned and the resignation was dully accepted in writing. A formal resignation “Acceptance” letter has been sighted.
5. Effectiveness of FLP Policy about foreign PR Holders. It has been established that the constitution of the country is paramount. It allows for “Resident” to contest and vote during the election. Also, substantial number of people have “PR” due to many reasons. But what confuses Arvin most is that Rajendra is contradicting himself. In 2006, he being an Australian PR holder, had publicly (Fijilive news) confirmed that he will be fighting the election under the FLP banner. Was he not aware of the Policy then? Why is he complaining now? Is his complain genuine?
6. Alleged Tax Refund: Arvin was alleged to have claimed tax refunds in excess of $80k etc. It has been established that during the time in question, Arvin's pay was not even $80,000 per year and the refund of $80k was not possible. Refund is only for the tax paid on the income, so any individual can make a reasonal conclusion. At the time in question, he had investment property and qualified for a minimal refund like any other ordinary person, which was approximately $3,500 considering the tax he paid during the year.
7. His Termination from Fiji TV. It is a fact that Arvin was “head-hunted” by Recruitment Agency to take up the job at Fiji TV as the head of Finance & Administration. We also know that the CEO designate Mesake Nawari was his MBA classmate. No doubt he had excellent working relationship with Fiji TV executives till he took up board appointments. It is further established that the Fiji TV Finance Policy was Arvin and his team’s initiative and work which was endorsed by the CEO and approved by the Board. After the 2006 coup, there were rumours on the blog sites that Arvin was going to replace Mesake Nawari as CEO. There was a difference in opinion on certain clauses of the Finance Policy on certain procurement procedures and process. Arvin had his firm position that one needed to take a MINIMUM of 3 quotes and free to take more if needed. Hence he asked his administration staff to seek more quotes in the best interest of Fiji TV. It was Arvin’s normal line of duties to sign ORDERS as head of the department. Arvin feels he had done nothing wrong and vows to make the same decision if in the situation again. Arvin has confirmed that he has absolute respect for all his working colleagues irrespective of gender and harassment has never an issue. According to Arvin, people who do not respect people, do not believe in God, with no principles in life, may do or think about this and other issues.
8. Arvin has challenged Rajendra Chaudhary to sign the “SWORN Statement” to own the statement as “Statement of FACTS” and take full responsibility for it.
See also Fiji Times, Will to help poor: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=274117
1. Arvin Datt had resigned out of his own will from every employer he had worked for except Fiji TV. He (Arvin) had a very successful working career and progressed to senior levels in different organisations through hard work and excellent performance.
2. He had resigned FIRCA to join Suva City Council as Director Finance. At FIRCA, he had ongoing personal differences with one Nemani Marawai, HR Executive of FIRCA at the time. When Arvin resigned he had a pending leave claim. Nemani pushed with the CEO at the time that Arvin’s resignation should not be accepted and he be asked to refund the overtime which was paid to him. Arvin Datt was not aware of this back-office issue which only surfaced during 2007 when he was appointed as FIRCA board member. The overtime in question was in relation to a MAJOR FRAUD at the Nadi Airport involving a customs cashier which Arvin had uncovered from his daily reconciliation and audit. The cashier at the time was pocketing all the cash and destroying the cheques to avoid detection. The amount was in excess of $1.3 million and it was growing as investigation continued. The CEO at that time not only gave authority to Arvin to carry out the detail investigation which was outside his normal duties but he was asked to work overtime and weekends. At that time a full-time accountant position was also created in the west office to check these banking and reconciliation on daily basis. Arvin had claimed overtime which was approved and paid. Only issue was whether he qualified for the overtime pay as his position was of senior accountant. It was a special duty and the very HR officer, who was even senior than Arvin at the time, had claimed and was paid overtime. So it was non issue from CEO’s point of view.
3. His Migration to Australia in 2010. Rajendra alleges that Arvin had migrated to Australia in 2010. This is absolutely incorrect. In January 2012 Arvin's wife took one year “non-pay” leave to move to Australia. They were still in Fiji during 2010, 2011 & 2012. His wife was the Vice-Principal at one of the colleges in Suva. Arvin had been travelling to and fro since 2013 to spend time with his family and still be in Fiji to manage his business and properties. He still has his business, his properties in Fiji. Rajendra's allegation is absolutely LIES and mischievous.
4. Sacked as a Board Member. This is again another mischief-making and a complete lie. Arvin has resigned from Fiji Sports Council Board to join FIRCA board at the time. When Fiji Labour Party members resigned from the current government in 2008, Arvin also resigned and the resignation was dully accepted in writing. A formal resignation “Acceptance” letter has been sighted.
5. Effectiveness of FLP Policy about foreign PR Holders. It has been established that the constitution of the country is paramount. It allows for “Resident” to contest and vote during the election. Also, substantial number of people have “PR” due to many reasons. But what confuses Arvin most is that Rajendra is contradicting himself. In 2006, he being an Australian PR holder, had publicly (Fijilive news) confirmed that he will be fighting the election under the FLP banner. Was he not aware of the Policy then? Why is he complaining now? Is his complain genuine?
6. Alleged Tax Refund: Arvin was alleged to have claimed tax refunds in excess of $80k etc. It has been established that during the time in question, Arvin's pay was not even $80,000 per year and the refund of $80k was not possible. Refund is only for the tax paid on the income, so any individual can make a reasonal conclusion. At the time in question, he had investment property and qualified for a minimal refund like any other ordinary person, which was approximately $3,500 considering the tax he paid during the year.
7. His Termination from Fiji TV. It is a fact that Arvin was “head-hunted” by Recruitment Agency to take up the job at Fiji TV as the head of Finance & Administration. We also know that the CEO designate Mesake Nawari was his MBA classmate. No doubt he had excellent working relationship with Fiji TV executives till he took up board appointments. It is further established that the Fiji TV Finance Policy was Arvin and his team’s initiative and work which was endorsed by the CEO and approved by the Board. After the 2006 coup, there were rumours on the blog sites that Arvin was going to replace Mesake Nawari as CEO. There was a difference in opinion on certain clauses of the Finance Policy on certain procurement procedures and process. Arvin had his firm position that one needed to take a MINIMUM of 3 quotes and free to take more if needed. Hence he asked his administration staff to seek more quotes in the best interest of Fiji TV. It was Arvin’s normal line of duties to sign ORDERS as head of the department. Arvin feels he had done nothing wrong and vows to make the same decision if in the situation again. Arvin has confirmed that he has absolute respect for all his working colleagues irrespective of gender and harassment has never an issue. According to Arvin, people who do not respect people, do not believe in God, with no principles in life, may do or think about this and other issues.
8. Arvin has challenged Rajendra Chaudhary to sign the “SWORN Statement” to own the statement as “Statement of FACTS” and take full responsibility for it.
See also Fiji Times, Will to help poor: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=274117
