PRF Clarifies Recent Remarks by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu

Pacific Recycling Foundation wishes to respond to the statement issued by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, following the release of PRF’s press statement marking Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited’s (WRFL) 31st anniversary on 4th May 2025.

PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, has welcomed Hon. Bulitavu’s call for collaboration and affirmed PRF’s full commitment to contributing constructively to national efforts. While this is a welcome gesture, PRF also feels it is necessary to clarify that its initial statement was not, at any point, directed toward any Government Ministry, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, or any Government official.

Deo said the issues raised in PRF’s press statement regarding the use of school students to clean up waste after public events, particularly sporting events, were observations about general practices by some partners that have been occurring for some time. These concerns were also raised with PRF by other advocates as well, however, these were never accusations directed at the Ministry or its programs.

“PRF would like to make it unequivocally clear that our concern is not with students participating in awareness and advocacy efforts; in fact, we actively support youth leadership in environmental action. What we have called out is the growing and problematic culture where students are brought in to clean up after adults at public events, especially sports gatherings, after the adults have irresponsibly littered. This is not only disrespectful to young people but also contradicts the very values of dignity that we are trying to advocate for them. PRF did not mention or implicate the Ministry in any part of its press statement. Our call was simply for adults to clean up after themselves and for students to be involved in meaningful advocacy and not used as cleanup crews,” said Deo.

Deo added that PRF did not reference or single out any specific cleanup activity in its press release.

As stated in PRF’s initial press statement, Deo said they acknowledge and continue to value their working relationship with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and are grateful for the collaborative efforts led by Hon. Bulitavu, Permanent Secretary Dr. Sivendra Michael, and the Ministry’s team.

“We also recognise and appreciate the political will demonstrated by key leaders, including the Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Deputy Prime Ministers, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica and Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Local Government, Hon. Maciu Nalumisa, Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, and Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Seema Sharma. These individuals have been instrumental in supporting grassroots recycling efforts and ensuring inclusivity in Fiji’s waste management approach,” said Deo.

“We also respectfully clarify that the reference to a ‘senior environmental official’ in PRF’s statement was not referring to an official within the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. We believe the interpretation that this was directed at the Ministry was a misunderstanding.”

Deo said PRF also wants to take this opportunity to clarify that its press statement did not label any Government effort as “cosmetic”, and that phrase does not appear anywhere in PRF’s statement.

“We consider the notion of mischaracterisation to be a misquote or misinterpretation. PRF has always supported structured, sustainable, and systemic reforms and continues to commend the Ministry’s multi-layered strategy, including Fiji’s two-year National Anti-Litter Campaign, efforts on single-use plastics, and the development of Container Deposit Regulations.”

Additionally, PRF is proud of its continued collaboration with the Ministry, including the recent historic engagement in Sydney with ANZPAC and the University of New South Wales, where Hon. Bulitavu and Dr. Michael were both invited and present to show the Government of Fiji’s support for this important milestone.

Deo reiterated that PRF also welcomes Hon. Bulitavu’s remarks, especially where he acknowledged PRF’s constructive criticism on innovative waste management solutions.

“As we have always maintained, progress in the waste management space will require accountability, structure, long-term investment, and a united, multi-stakeholder approach. PRF looks forward to continuing this important work, shoulder to shoulder with the Government, communities, and partners alike.”