The second Publisher of Fiji Times, Rex Gardner has been deported back to Australia just about 9 months after his predecessor, Evan Hannah.
Immigration Director Commander Viliame Naupoto said Gardner was convicted for contempt of court and this resulted in him being declared a prohibited immigrant.
Naupoto told Fijivillage this morning that Gardner is boarding the flight from Nausori to Nadi as I speak.
Commander Naupoto said Gardner had clearly breached his work permit condition after committing an offence in Fiji.
Fiji Times Publisher Rex Gardner was emotional last night when he left the Fiji Times Office at 8.20pm after two immigration officials went to his office late yesterday and handed him his deportation order.
Gardner said he was supposed to leave the country this Saturday, but the two immigration officials told him to leave the country today.
Gardner said the two officials from the Immigration Department served him with the order which stated that he is a prohibited immigrant.
When asked on whether he asked the two officials the reason behind his deportation, this is what he had to say.
Gardner was also questioned on whether his deportation was related to the Fiji Times found guilty of contempt of court last week.
Gardner said his contract ended on the 5th of February.
Fiji Times Editor in Chief Netani Rika said the company will continue to run as normal.
Fiji Times Publisher Rex Gardner Deported
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