PM Warns Against Terrorising Government Officials

‘I want to take the opportunity this morning to condemn those attacks and assure you that those responsible will be taken to task’

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has issued a stern warning to those found terrorising and harassing Government’s health professionals and civil servants.

“It is completely unacceptable what’s happening. And I want every health professional and civil servant in the country to know that your care and protection takes chief priority above all else,” Mr Bainimarama said “We are going to be taking a very hard line with anyone who threatens your safety, or who disrupts your ability to do your jobs.” He made these statements while delivering his speech at the opening of the of the Western Division 2018 Road Show at Nawairuku Village in Nalawa, Ra.

The Prime Minister said they received reports over the weekend that one of their medical officers working at the Nasau Health Centre in Ra was assaulted and threatened while working.

Mr Bainimarama said that was only the most recent in a string of incidents involving health professionals in Fijian communities.

“The Police are actively investigating these matters, and will provide regular updates, but I want to take the opportunity this morning to condemn those attacks and assure you that those responsible will be taken to task,” he said.

“I also appeal to every community and to every Fijian to not only join me in condemning this attack, but to discourage the sort of mentalities that breed this criminal behaviour because these crimes are borne from a lack of respect and a lack of values.”

He said these attacks indicated the lack of respect some people had for the life-saving work carried out by health professionals in Fiji. He also said it was a lack of the fundamental values that define the Fijian character – values like honesty, respect and integrity, tolerance, understanding and care for each other, and for the future of the country.

“That, my friends, is the real Fijian way. And those values are instilled in us by our community leaders and at home, by our families.” Edited by Jonathan Bryce

The Police are actively investigating these matters, and will provide regular updates, but I want to take the opportunity this morning to condemn those attacks and assure you that those responsible will be taken to task Voreqe Bainimarama Prime Minister

Photo: Peni Komaisavai Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with members of the Education Ministry in the Western Division in Nawairuku, Nalawa, Ra, on July 18, 2018.