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CLARKE: LAW DOES NOT PROHIBIT FUNDRAISING

THE law does not prohibit any individual or organisation from fundraising to help people in need, says Fiji Law Society president Wylie Clarke.

He made the comment in response to a statement released by National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) director Vasiti Soko requesting those involved in super storm Yasa fundraising efforts to register with NDMO first.

In a press statement released on December 23, Ms Soko said anyone found using STC Yasa to gain profit would be reported to police and could face a fine not exceeding $2000 or a 12-month imprisonment term or both.

RELIGIOUS, charitable and other community organisations and individuals should take comfort in the fact the law does not prohibit them from raising funds to help those in need, says Fiji Law Society president Wylie Clarke.

He made the comment after this newspaper received calls from confused parties and members of the public who had questioned getting “National Disaster Management Office Certified” should they want to fundraise for specific people or communities who were affected by super storm Yasa.

The Fiji Times asked NDMO director Vasiti Soko to clarify whether donors would be prosecuted should they not be “NDMO Certified”, as stated in a news item released on December 26.

“The media release that we issued was quite clear, the prosecutions were for those that would gain profit,” she said.

She said no one person or organisation had been prosecuted as yet but complaints received at her office had been forwarded to police.

When quizzed about the number of complaints received so far, Ms Soko said: “I am not going to release that.”

Mr Clarke said the Fiji Law Society was cognisant of the fact unscrupulous operators could use the cyclone to obtain an advantage.

“We understand the concern the director NDMO has regarding protecting the public from unscrupulous people taking advantage of public support for those suffering from the impact of TC Yasa,” Mr Clarke said.

“However, as we have previously stated, existing criminal law, when enforced, will adequately deal with those who defraud members of the public.

“These organisations and individuals should be reassured that they can continue to raise funds and provide support without fear of being prosecuted.”