Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has responded to international media coverage regarding the suspected alcohol poisoning incident at the Warrick Fiji Resort, describing these reports as “highly exaggerated.” In a media statement, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of countering misinformation to protect Fiji’s reputation as a prime travel destination.
Last weekend, seven guests from the resort along Fiji’s Coral Coast were admitted to Sigatoka Hospital with symptoms that included nausea, vomiting, and neurological distress before being transferred to Aspen Lautoka Hospital. All seven individuals had consumed Pina Colada cocktails at the resort’s Suva Wing Bar. Interestingly, no other guests who had similar drinks at different bars in the resort reported any health issues.
To address concerns stirred by these reports, the Prime Minister urged for accurate information to mitigate potential damage to Fiji’s tourism industry. He reassured potential visitors by stating, “It’s safe to come to Fiji,” while also questioning whether the negative press could stem from competitive interests seeking to undermine the nation’s tourism.
Rabuka characterized the incident as isolated and not indicative of a broader threat to the tourism sector. This sentiment was echoed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Viliame Gavoka, who revealed that toxicology tests from the incident found no illicit substances or methanol in the beverage samples.
In conclusion, the government remains committed to ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors, suggesting that this incident should not deter tourists from enjoying the beautiful destination that is Fiji. With a proactive approach to transparency and safety, the future of tourism in Fiji looks promising.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication during unfortunate incidents, allowing a community to collectively safeguard its image and maintain tourist confidence.
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