Opposition Member of Parliament Joseph Nand has expressed his outrage over the findings from an investigation concerning the death of a Japanese tourist at a resort in Sigatoka, calling the revelations “shocking and unacceptable.” The incident involved a 50-year-old Japanese national who faced difficulties while snorkeling in the vicinity of the resort earlier this month.
In his statement, Nand described the situation as scandalous, emphasizing the evident deficiencies in welfare and duty of care at the resort. He pointed out that the public typically trusts that resorts comply with safety standards; however, the results of the Occupational Health and Safety investigation are alarming and raise troubling questions about the capacity of other resorts to protect the safety of their guests.
Nand called for immediate strategic actions to address these shortcomings and highlighted a substantial failure on the part of authorities responsible for overseeing compliance with health and safety regulations at resorts. He questioned the frequency and thoroughness of inspections, asking when the last inspection occurred and what measures are taken against those who do not meet the set standards.
While acknowledging the prompt investigation initiated by Minister Singh, Nand stressed the importance of establishing preventive measures to avert similar tragedies in the future.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for the hospitality industry, reminding resorts of their crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their guests. It is also an opportunity for regulatory bodies to reinforce their inspection protocols and to enhance the training provided to resort staff. With proactive changes and accountability, the hope is that future safety standards will be elevated, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
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