PM: Small grants based on applications, not provincial favouritism

PM: Small grants based on applications, not provincial favouritism Mr Rabuka said community contribution and value were also considered before approval. Wednesday 22 July 2026 | 08:30 Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says grant allocations from his office are based on applications received and not on favouring any particular province, after a parliamentary committee flagged disparities in the distribution of small grants. The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, chaired by assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua, released its Consolidated Review Report on the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) this week. The report recommended equitable distribution of small grants across divisions and provinces, with transparent criteria to reduce disparities. Related stories According to the report, Tailevu Province received 78 projects worth more than $1.2 million, while Namosi, Rotuma and Serua each received only one project. Asked to respond, Mr Rabuka said the final decision to approve grants rested with him, but was guided by staff recommendations. “It depends on the applications that come. The grant I approve, the applications that come through are dealt with at the staff level where recommendations are made and I normally approve, because it is within the limit of the grant that we give,” he said. Mr Rabuka said community contribution and value were also considered before approval. “We look at it against what have been the community contribution and the value for the community. “Not everybody asks and only those that ask get it, the Bible says so.” The committee also recommended verification processes for grant approvals be strengthened, with community awareness campaigns to help all provinces access the scheme.