Bring back experienced officers, says Seruiratu
OPPOSITION leader Inia Seruiratu supports the call by former assistant commissioner of police Henry Brown for the Acting COMPOL, Juki Fong Chew, to have experienced people around him.
In a statement, Mr Seruiratu said this was crucial because the current Government had removed experienced officers from the Fiji Police Force.
“I totally agree with this (Mr Brown’s) statement,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“However, as soon as this Government came into being they removed officers with extensive experience and proven records for no apparent reason.
“They also replaced them with people who do not have the same level of experience or expertise.”
He said Government had basically shot itself on the foot.
“Maintaining law and order and at the same time trying to fight crime and combat the smuggling of illicit drugs should be a joint effort,” he said.
“It is vital that we ensure the effective collaboration between various religious bodies, denominations, relevant stakeholders, communities, and the government of the day.
“Upholding national discipline and national respect for law and order should be a collective effort if we are to ensure a more secure and safer Fiji.”
Mr Seruiratu commended the work of the Fiji Police Force for what they were trying to do to fight drugs, however, the country needed to re-look at its social structure where discipline could be instilled starting from individual families.
“This is not the time to play the blame game because the recent hike in drug busts and crime rate urgently needs our collective attention.
“We need to urgently engage religious leaders, the vanua and various community leaders because we cannot deny the fact that the Fiji Police Force needs as much help as they can get to curb the increase in crime against women and the peddling of illicit drugs.”