St John Pushes Back as Fiji Red Cross Bill Seeks Primary Provider of First Aid Training

The St John Association in Fiji has expressed deep concern regarding a provision in the proposed Draft Red Cross Society Bill 2025, which aims to designate the Fiji Red Cross Society as the country’s primary provider of first aid training and certification. In a press release dated December 12, the St John Association’s Board highlighted its formal submission to the Government as part of ongoing discussions surrounding the Bill.

While the St John Association supports recognizing the Fiji Red Cross Society under national legislation, it argues that the proposed clause could jeopardize established national first aid standards. With a rich history of providing first aid training and certification spanning 86 years, the Association emphasizes its significant role in enhancing Fiji’s emergency preparedness capabilities.

“Our history is clear. St John has been instrumental in building Fiji’s emergency preparedness capacity since 1939,” stated Dr. Ratu Vereniki Raiwalui, National Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Association. He further asserted that the certifications issued by St John are widely trusted and recognized across crucial sectors, including maritime, mining, and civil service. He warned that granting a legislative monopoly to any single organization as the ‘primary provider’ could undermine this legacy and compromise the quality and accessibility of training across the nation.

In its stance, the St John Association is advocating for the removal of the “primary national provider” designation from the Bill. Instead, it calls for a regulatory framework that would allow an independent statutory body, like the Fiji Qualifications Authority, to assess and oversee all first aid training providers based on merit and adherence to international best practices.

Encouraging a competitive environment aimed at fostering excellence, a spokesperson for the Association urged the Government to focus on a system that ensures all Fijians receive the highest quality of pre-hospital care education. Furthermore, the St John Association is seeking written assurance from the Government that the final legislation will not invalidate, restrict, or de-recognize any current first aid certifications it issues.

Despite these challenges, the St John Association reaffirms its commitment to serving the public and delivering high-quality first aid training throughout Fiji, underscoring its enduring legacy and dedication to community health and safety.