The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Fiji, Professor Biman Prasad, has urged the public to be cautious about exaggerated claims regarding the country’s crime statistics. While acknowledging an uptick in crime rates, Prasad attributes this rise to the Coalition Government’s proactive measures in addressing the issue, including increased arrests and drug busts.
Prasad noted that certain regions, like parts of Nadi, have seen higher levels of criminal activity. He emphasized that crime issues are not new and have persisted over time, suggesting that the current statistics reflect a more robust police response rather than an overall increase in lawlessness. For example, in terms of recorded offences, numbers have fluctuated over recent years, peaking at 24,392 in 2020 before declining in the subsequent years, though they showed an increase from 16,098 in 2023 to 20,384 in 2024.
He presented data indicating a significant surge in drug-related offences, from 1,615 in 2023 to 2,035 in 2024, explaining this increase aligns with intensified law enforcement efforts. Despite these concerns, Prasad reassured the public, indicating that the recent statistics should not be viewed as excessively alarming given the context of improved policing and reporting.
In summary, while crime in Fiji has been a topic of concern, the government’s efforts under the Coalition have produced a more comprehensive understanding of the situation, as evidenced by increased reporting of crimes rather than an unmitigated rise in criminal activity. This approach may provide a hopeful perspective for the future, as the government continues to address these challenges head-on.
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