Fiji’s Prime Minister Hits Back at ‘Exaggerated’ Media Reports on Alcohol Incident

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has described recent international media coverage regarding suspected alcohol poisoning at the Warrick Fiji Resort as “highly exaggerated.” In a statement to the press, he emphasized the necessity of countering false narratives to protect Fiji’s reputation as a desirable travel destination.

Last weekend, seven guests from a resort located on Fiji’s Coral Coast experienced symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological distress. They were first taken to Sigatoka Hospital before being moved to Aspen Lautoka Hospital. It has been reported that all seven guests consumed Pina Colada cocktails specifically at the Suva Wing Bar of the resort; however, no other patrons who enjoyed the same drink at different bars within the resort reported any illness.

In light of this incident, Prime Minister Rabuka and his government are actively seeking to clarify the situation to mitigate any misinformation. He reassured travelers that “it’s safe to come to Fiji,” and questioned the motives behind the negative press, suggesting that they could stem from competitors within the tourism industry.

The Prime Minister highlighted that this was an isolated case and not indicative of a broader risk to Fiji’s tourism sector. He reiterated the safety of the destination for tourists. Supporting this, Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka shared that toxicology report findings showed no illicit substances or methanol present in the liquor samples related to the incident.

In summary, despite the alarming media reports, Fiji’s leadership is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its tourists and maintaining the country’s image as a safe travel destination. This situation may serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of misinformation in the tourism industry. The quick response and proactive measures taken by the government reflect their commitment to protecting not only tourist health but also Fiji’s reputation on the global stage.