Mr. Michael Field

Journalist

Fairfax Media

pacifikanews@gmail.com.

Dear Mike,

Seasons Greetings to you from Suva. I am writing with reference to your feature article in the Fiji Times of Sunday 30th December, 2007, titled “Sentiments of a Journalist”. I rarely get upset with journalists, but the generalized and insensitive comments you made about my wife’s expenses for medical care and more so when such information is totally incorrect has caused me much anger and disappointment with yourself and your type of journalism and writing. Given that we know each other personally, the least you could have done was to ring me up and checked the facts.

To correct your misinformation, let me enlighten you with facts regarding my wife’s and our joint status in New Zealand.

My wife Renu Chand and my three daughters are New Zealand citizens, apparently same as yourself. She is entitled to medical care same as any New Zealand citizen.

You are not paying for my wife’s medical expenses as by virtue of her status and our property and investments in New Zealand, we pay our dues, taxes and file tax returns same as yourself; and

We also have comprehensive life and health care insurances in New Zealand and if warranted and/or referred to by specialists, we can afford private medical care without any difficulties.

 

Despite the above clarification, if you are still worried about your tax dollars being spent on my wife’s medical care, let me inform you that she is already back in Fiji recuperating at home.

I am however most grateful to the New Zealand Government for allowing me entry into New Zealand to visit my wife. I will write separately to the New Zealand High Commission expressly my gratitude and also providing them with a full record of my wife’s medical condition.

Even your justifications for supporting a case for travel ban on me personally is wrong and out of context. I am a contracted public servant. In fact, I was Chief Executive Officer (equivalent to current Permanent Secretary position) well before the events of 5th December, 2006. My employer, Public Service Commission posted me to work as Chief Executive Officer in the Prime Minister’s Office on 8th January, 2007 on same terms and conditions and later the position got re-titled as Permanent Secretary..

I had nothing whatsoever to do with the events of 5th December, 2006. As a Civil Servant, one does not have the liberty to refuse such side transfers. In fact, I stand ready to be posted to any other Ministry if PSC so desires. I guess the same also applies to senior Civil Servants in New Zealand. Yet, I am being penalized by the New Zealand Government, supported by yourself, with a travel ban for accepting a side transfer done by PSC based on existing laws and regulations.

So as a New Zealand taxpayer and my mate, you tell me where is the justification for such a travel ban? I have committed no crime or for that matter have not broken any New Zealand laws. All I am doing by virtue of my job is upholding and practicing the principles of public service and good governance, yet I am being penalized for that.

Anyway, I hope to be able to share a meal with you again one day. Perhaps, being a little more careful with your facts and exercising sensitivity wherever needed might improve your eligibility and give eventuality to Suva being the venue for such a meal in the not too distant future.

With Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year.

Parmesh Chand

cc: Mr. Todd Cleaver

Acting Deputy High Commissioner

New Zealand High Commission,

SUVA