BishopAccountability.org
	Senior Priest Faces Probe By Sakiasi Nawaikama Fiji Times June 9, 2008 http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=91611 THE Methodist Church in Fiji has launched an internal investigation into claims of discrepancies in the audited accounts of one of its educational institutes. Parents and teachers of Suva Methodist Primary School have questioned the transparency and accountability of the school board, chaired by a senior minister of the church. Methodist Church general secretary Reverend Ame Tugaue said the church was carrying out an internal investigation and has asked the school bursar and manager, Taito Tamani, to step aside during the course of investigation. The church has appointed Tevita Vugakoto to act in the position. Concerned parents questioned the audit report of 2005 which highlighted that income receipts did not reflect monies received and the audit report of 2006, which also stated that the income receipts did not accurately reflect monies deposited. The Parents and Teachers Association called for an investigation into the management of school funds. Parents raised their concerns about the outstanding building fee arrears of $3628 and nil fees in arrears that of 31 December 2005. The balance sheet of 31 December 2006 show fees in arrears at $14,845. The association was informed by the board chairman the school was indebted to the church office. The association argues the audited accounts from 2004 to 2006 do not reflect any debt to the church and questioned why these debts were not disclosed. A senior member of the church, who preferred to remain anonymous, said they were not aware of any discrepancies. He said the issues raised by the PTFA were addressed in the 2007 audit. Mr Tugaue said the figures raised by the PTFA need to be proved. The PTFA raised its concerns in two separate meetings with the church and have also lodged a report with police. Police spokesman Atunaisa Sokomuri confirmed that police had received a report and investigations would proceed soon.
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