AZARIA FAREEN
Recipients of the workers compensations scheme have applauded the efforts of the Government as they received payment for the loss of their loved ones in the course of their duty in Suva recently.
The 51-year-old Emali Lewenilovo lost her husband, former Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Sanaila Naqali in 2018, and while receiving the cheque, she commended the Fijian Government for allocating compensation funds annually to cater for payments for Government cases.
“As I stand here on behalf of other recipients, I must thank all the other employers who have done their due diligence in reporting workplace injuries and deaths to the ministry,” Ms. Lewenilovo said.
“Such payments mean a lot to us and we will see to its proper utilization for our development,” she added. “I also wish to thank the Ministry of Fisheries where my late husband served diligently prior to his calling. Thank you indeed for reporting the case of my late husband to the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.”
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama handed the cheque to about 36 individuals who had suffered serious injury on the job and the grieving families of those who have lost their lives while performing their duties sympathised with them.
“I know that no amount of money can truly compensate you for the suffering you endured, for the loss of a loved one or for the disability you will now carry for the rest of your life and for this, you have my deepest personal sympathy,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
“But it is my hope that these payments will help you as you go forward and build new lives, and that the funds will help sustain you and allow you to live with dignity and hope,” he added.
“Since January 2019, Fiji provides the families of those injured or killed in accidents with compensation through our Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) – adding yet another layer of security for those suffering tragic circumstances,” PM Bainimarama said.
“The payments have increased over time, and today, the compensation for deaths arising from employment-related accidents is $75, 000.”
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