The General Voters Party (GVP) is in agreement with Prime Minister Bainimarama in asking that the meeting in Port Moresby on the 27th January 2009 be deferred to a later date because of the great humanitarian crisis being faced by Fiji at this time.

The Meeting of Forum Island Leaders was to discuss Fiji's possible suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum.

Spokesman Fred Caine says:

"As leader of this country, he is very correct in saying that he should be with his people at this time of crisis."

"We concur with his views and assert that he needs to be directly in charge of the recuperation and restoration of government services in the affected areas. We expect him to lead the co-ordination of assistance programs to the needy."

"I have been around and seen many Prime Ministers of Fiji and I can say he is right up there with Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in being with his people during times of natural disasters."

"We are of the view that if the Forum Leaders were genuine friends of Fiji, they would defer the meeting and reconvene in Nadi so they can see for themselves the suffering endured by the people of Fiji."

"Instead they have chosen to carry on with their "Retreat" in plush surroundings in Port Moresby while we in Fiji live through the devastation of the floods and strong winds." GVP, 22/01/09.