Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has raised significant concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Fiji, citing a noticeable increase in violence, sexual offenses, home invasions, and alarming rates of violent robberies. He emphasizes that the current government must prioritize and urgently address these escalating crime rates.
Usamate expresses readiness to collaborate with the government to restore security and encourage decisive government action without delay. He highlights that certain regions have become unsafe for families, particularly affecting women and children. The safety of public transport operators, such as taxi and bus drivers, has become a pressing issue, leaving them vulnerable to physical attacks and intimidation.
The MP’s concerns extend to the alarming low rates of arrests and prosecutions despite increasing crimes. He provides a striking example of a Labasa farmer who suffered not only the theft of his bullock but also the subsequent loss of a significant quantity of meat due to a slow and questionable judicial process.
Moreover, Usamate points out that even visitors to Fiji are encountering unprecedented safety concerns, ranging from health incidents at resorts to violent crimes in public areas. The overall sense of insecurity has led many communities to feel besieged, with the closure of businesses and a sagging nightlife reflecting the growing fears among residents.
This troubling climate for businesses, he notes, can deter investments crucial for economic growth. Usamate stresses that ensuring safety is vital not only for community well-being but also for attracting potential investors, who may view Fiji as insecure.
The former Minister emphasizes how the breakdown of law and order permeates into all facets of society, including places of worship, which have also faced acts of lawlessness. International responses to Fiji’s declining safety, expressed through adverse media coverage in neighboring countries and beyond, amplify the urgency for strong leadership during such a crisis.
Usamate criticizes the government’s perceived denial and deflection regarding this pressing issue, urging that the current crisis requires a proactive approach rather than a focus on public image management or internal political disputes. He acknowledges that the responsibility to improve the situation falls on various community stakeholders while insisting that the government must spearhead these efforts.
In essence, Usamate calls for a united and immediate response to the crisis of law and order in Fiji, asserting that the current situation is not a minor issue but a national crisis that demands attention and action.
This situation, while alarming, also sets the stage for potential improvements through collaboration among community leaders, the government, and citizens. By facing the challenges openly, stakeholders can work together to find effective solutions, restore safety, and rebuild a sense of community. With a collective effort, there is hope for a turnaround in the safety and security situation in Fiji.
Leave a comment