George Goundar, a renowned shipping magnate in Fiji, has taken a tough position on the escalating drug issue troubling the nation’s maritime sector. During the unveiling of Goundar Shipping Limited’s latest passenger vessel, Lady Daya, Goundar announced the termination of 18 employees over drug and alcohol malpractices. This action underscores his unwavering dedication to combating drug misuse amongst his crew and passengers.
Goundar emphasized the pressing demand for vigilant action towards the drug dilemma plaguing his vessels, stating a “zero tolerance policy for drugs among our crew members. Anyone found with drugs are prohibited from boarding the vessel.”
The severity of the situation was further highlighted as Goundar disclosed that the company has faced considerable challenges due to drugs, with crew members and passengers participating in both drug consumption and distributing to outer islands. Previously last week, several employees were dismissed over drug and alcohol allegations, a potentially hazardous indulgence for those at sea.
Goundar raised these issues with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), expressing his disappointment with the government’s inaction, claiming a lack of effective laws.
To counteract the ongoing drug crisis, Goundar supports the increased involvement of the local police and their amplified transparency and prevalence on board. Furthermore, as a measure to reinforce the company’s aggressive stand against drugs, Goundar Shipping implemented compulsory monthly drug screenings for the entire crew.
Goundar stressed, “We have explicitly conveyed our posture: we will not allow drugs on our vessels.”