Opposition Member of Parliament Joseph Nand has expressed deep concern over the conclusions of an investigation into the death of a Japanese tourist at a Sigatoka resort, labeling the findings as “shocking and unacceptable.”
Nand highlighted the incident involving the 50-year-old tourist, who faced challenges while snorkeling at the resort earlier this month, as indicative of serious lapses in safety protocols. He described it as a “scandalous” revelation of the resort’s failure to maintain adequate welfare and duty of care standards for guests.
The MP emphasized that public trust in the ability of resorts to uphold safety standards appears to be misplaced, based on the disturbing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) findings. This raises significant concerns not only about the specific resort involved but also about the overall capability of other resorts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their patrons.
Nand called for immediate and strategic actions to address these issues, pointing out a critical failure by authorities charged with overseeing OHS compliance in resorts. He voiced urgent inquiries regarding the last inspections conducted, the frequency of these checks, the consequences for non-compliance, and how resorts are supported to meet safety standards.
While he applauded Minister Singh for quickly launching an investigation, Nand conveyed a greater urgency for measures to be established to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for the tourism industry, underscoring the importance of safety regulations and proactive measures to protect guests. There is potential for positive change if the concerns raised lead to stricter enforcement of safety standards, creating a safer environment for all visitors in the region. By addressing these issues, the industry can reassure tourists of their commitment to safety, ultimately enhancing their travel experience.
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