The upcoming Coca-Cola Games will see a notable change this year as authorities have decided that no music will be played on public buses during the event. This decision was confirmed by Gerald Nathan, leader of the road safety education and awareness team at the Land Transport Authority (LTA), in light of recent concerns about student behavior on public transport.
In discussions surrounding the games, Nathan emphasized the importance of orderly conduct among passengers, particularly students, while traveling. He indicated that bus drivers would have the authority to stop at police stations if they encounter unruly behavior, underscoring the responsibility of students to maintain a safe environment during transit.
This decision follows a series of incidents where students have displayed disruptive behaviors on buses, including mischief such as hanging out of windows and waving flags. Given the commitment of the LTA and the Fiji Bus Operations Association (FBOA) to ensuring public safety, this year’s games aim for an accident-free experience, according to Nathan.
The Coca-Cola Games have always been a significant event in Fiji, and this proactive approach highlights the shared responsibility among parents, schools, and transport authorities in promoting respectful behavior among students. The leaders involved have expressed a collective hope that the changes will create a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone during the athletic festivities.
In a broader context, recent initiatives associated with the games, including stricter enforcement of no-drug policies and heightened police presence, reflect an ongoing commitment to improving safety standards and reducing incidents of misconduct at such events. The collaboration between various stakeholders indicates a promising trend toward fostering a more responsible and disciplined atmosphere in Fiji’s youth sporting culture.
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