Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad has addressed concerns regarding an alleged over-exaggeration of criminal activity in Fiji, asserting that such claims have been amplified by media and social media influencers. Speaking at an event in Nadi over the weekend, Prasad urged journalists and the public not to act as “alarmists.”
He acknowledged that while crime is present, particularly with drug-related offenses, it is important to recognize that the current issues are not solely the responsibility of the present government. Prasad emphasized that the problems have roots in the past administrations’ failures to effectively tackle crime, stating, “People weren’t talking about it before.”
To provide a clearer picture, Prasad shared crime statistics spanning from 2019 to 2024, highlighting shifts in offenses over the years:
– 2019: 19,838 offenses
– 2020: 24,392 offenses
– 2021: 18,769 offenses
– 2022: 17,538 offenses
– 2023: 16,098 offenses
– 2024: 20,035 offenses (projected)
Prasad pointed out that while drug crime has seen an uptick, the overall crime rates reported for 2023 and projected figures for 2024 show that the incidence is still comparatively lower than in previous years. He noted that increased law enforcement actions, including arrests and drug busts, reflect the Coalition Government’s commitment to addressing the drug issue head-on, contrasting with an environment where crime went largely unreported during prior government terms.
This acknowledgment from the Deputy Prime Minister suggests a proactive approach toward transparency regarding crime statistics, which may gradually help build public trust and lead to collaborative efforts in crime reduction. By engaging with the media and public constructively, the government aims to foster a well-informed discourse on public safety rather than one rooted in fear and exaggeration.
In summary, while crime remains a concern, the government insists it is making strides in handling these issues more transparently than before, which could lead to more effective crime management in the future.
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