The Fiji Times’ lead story on October 22 discusses recent changes within the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). The annual report for 2024 revealed that the FSC Board of Directors significantly increased their fees and allowances, with payments rising from $24,000 in 2023 to $72,000 in 2024. Currently, the FSC operates under government guarantees and has nine Board members, who also serve on seven different sub-committees.
In other news, a man has appeared in Suva court facing accusations related to the death of a one-year-old child.
Additionally, there is a report highlighting labor shortages and rising associated costs as contributors to the increased unharvested cane reported by FSC in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The FSC noted a 10 percent rise in unharvested cane, totaling 28,575 tonnes in 2023, compared to 26,040 tonnes the previous year. CEO Bhan Pratap Singh stated that 93 percent of the cane was not harvested due to labor issues, with the majority of standover cane arising from hilly areas where mechanical harvesting is unfeasible. More details can be found on Page 14.
An intriguing feature on Page 3 addresses the concerns of sinking nations in the Pacific, including Fiji.
In a separate piece, the Fiji Police Force has recorded a notable rise in the overall crime rate, with incidents increasing from 1,348 in September of last year to 1,730 this September. This substantial rise raises questions regarding the effectiveness of policing and public awareness of crime reporting.
Acting Commissioner Sakeo Raikaci reported that the most common crimes included theft (487 cases), bodily harm (298), burglary and aggravated offenses (193), unlawful drug possession (140), and criminal intimidation (71). Among recorded crimes against women, 84 percent were assault-related, and 16 percent were sexual offenses, with a concerning 40 percent of female victims involving their partners.
Crimes involving children totaled 117 cases, primarily affecting girls, with 90 victims compared to 27 boys. Drug-related offenses were also noted, with 150 cases primarily related to unlawful possession of drugs.
As society approaches the festive season, the impact of drug use on families is a growing concern. Community engagement and discussions surrounding policies, awareness campaigns, and education that aligns with national needs are crucial. The recent crime statistics serve as a prompt for deeper inquiry into underlying causes such as the cost of living, employment, poverty, and peer pressure.
This increase in crime should urge the community to engage in significant discussions about transforming society, pushing for change, and maintaining safety and peaceful coexistence.