The front page of The Fiji Times for Tuesday, October 1 features a critical commentary on political conduct in Parliament. Mary Chapman, a former long-serving secretary general to Parliament, expressed her dismay at the recent unprofessional behavior exhibited by members. She described Parliament as being reduced to a “Banana Parliament” due to the use of inappropriate language. This statement follows an incident where a Cabinet Minister referred to an Opposition MP as a “murderer,” which prompted a heated exchange with the MP labeling the minister a “chor.” Chapman lamented that such behavior was previously addressed swiftly by the Speaker.
In another development, the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the Police Force to activate its tourism unit in response to complaints from tourists about harassment in Nadi Town. The chamber’s call was driven by social media posts from tourists sharing negative experiences during their visits. Chamber President Dr. Ram Raju emphasized that these posts serve as a wakeup call and could harm Nadi’s reputation as a tourist destination.
Dr. Raju noted that many tourists find it inconvenient to file police complaints due to complicated procedures that might extend their stay in Fiji. He believes stakeholders must take proactive steps to prevent such incidents. Collaborative efforts with police should involve increased patrols and community awareness campaigns, showcasing the importance of maintaining a thriving tourism industry.
The potential influx of tourists is promising, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Viliame Gavoka announced earlier this year that Fiji is on track to welcome one million visitors. He highlighted that the primary source markets remain Australia and New Zealand, with encouraging growth from North America.
Reaching this milestone will necessitate additional accommodations, job growth, and economic boosts. The focus now is to ensure effective processes are in place, engaging all stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences and foster repeat visits. The commitment from the chamber aims not only to address existing complaints but to reaffirm dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for tourists, transforming Nadi into a premier destination that attracts visitors globally.