The planned Air Terminal Services (ATS) protest march in Nadi on Saturday will go ahead as scheduled, but with conditions, the Fiji Police Force has said.

Part of that condition is that only 3000 people will be allowed to march on Saturday in Nadi. The march will start at 10.30am from the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Thiru Kovil temple in Nadi to the union office at the entrance of Denarau Rd.

Members of the FTUC, the ATS Employees Trust and Federated Airline Staff Association are expected to march.

Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho said the permit was issued yesterday to Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) general secretary Felix Anthony with conditions. The congress had organised the march.

“The permit has been issued to Mr Anthony and if anything goes wrong, we are holding him responsible for it,” he said.

“If anything goes wrong or any breaches to the law concerning to the march, then we will deal with Mr Anthony.

“The Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Khan, has met Mr Anthony and discussed the issues especially the responsibility that comes with the permit along with the permit conditions.

“Some of the conditions are the number of people who are allowed to march on Saturday. Also, our Police capabilities to control the other issues in regards to policing in the West because it could give the time to opportunists moving so we have committed some of our resources and manpower to the march that could exploit that situation by conducting the criminal activities.”

SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka said: “I am very much encouraged that Government has given a permit for the march. It’s a very good indication of their willingness to let the people freely participate.

“My spirit will be out there with them on Saturday, I will not be there as I will be attending the funeral of the oldest man from Navatu Timoci Naitini, who was 99 years old.

“I appeal to everyone involved to follow the rules and ensure that there are no disturbances so that future permits maybe given. If we disrupt this one, then don’t blame the Government for not giving us another one.”

Former leader of the suspended People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Lynda Tabuya said: “I call on the support of the public. There will be a rally and a benefit concert put on for free by some musicians – Seru Serevi and Laisa Vulakoro. This is to raise funds in support of the workers’ families, to support them in time for the school year which begins on the following Monday.

“The limit for the crowd is 3000 and it will be supervised by the Police and we are very grateful for the Fiji Police Force who will be out to control the march.”

Supporters in Suva wanting to join the march can catch a bus that will depart from the Flea Market at 5am on Saturday to Nadi. It will return at 4pm from Nadi to Flea Market. Edited by Naisa Koroi

Viliame Finau is a trustee for the ATS Employees Trust. Yesterday he was incorrectly called Malakai Finau. The error is regretted.

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