All churches that wish to privatise their schools will automatically be cut off from receiving education grants from government.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama stated that this has been made clear to all churches that have their own schools.

The PM’s comments are in response to concerns raised during a talanoa session in Savusavu last week that Vatuvonu Secondary School in Cakaudrove will be privatised.

The PM was told by a couple of parents of students at the school that they have been told that the school will be privatised and they do not agree with it.

Bainimarama stated, he has no say in the Church’s decision to privatise the school but he reiterated that if they do, they will not receive any government grants.

This he adds, will also mean that the Church will have to pay for their own teachers.

Bainimarama says they have held previous discussions with the different Churches in this regard and they are aware of government’s stance.
Vatuvonu Secondary School is run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.