Head of the Roman Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, is investigating claims a parish priest is alleged to have breached COVID-19 protocols.

Father Rogasio Raikivi, the Priest at Saint Peter’s Parish in Namosi, is alleged to have breached protocols set by the village committee.

Villagers claimed that he had been drinking grog during curfew hours.

Fr Raikivi was also believed to have picked a family from Navua Town who were coming from Natovi in Tailevu along Kings Road on Tuesday and dropped them at the village.

The family was now in the village’s isolation centre.

Fr Raikivi was also told to isolate at the presbytery (priest’s house) for 14-days. However, villagers claimed that he went to the isolation centre and drank grog with the family at around 8.30pm the same day.

He was further alleged to have told the villagers that the 14-day isolation would mean that they would have to bury their dead like animals and anoint their own.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun, Fr Raikivi said he does not recognise the law set by the village committee.

He added that not all the villagers had approved the law, therefore it was invalid.

Archbishop Loy Chong said he was not aware of what was happening at Saint Peter’s Parish. He said: “We will conduct a thorough investigation on this and try and find out the truth, before we take action.”

Archbishop Loy Chong had been continuously urging Catholics, including priests, nuns, brothers, and catechists, to obey Government protocols to fight COVID -19.

Namosi district representative, Petero Leveni, said he was not happy with what Fr Raikivi was doing.

“I’m so disappointed. His calling as a priest must be a priority.”

Mr Leveni said prevention was better than cure. He said whether one was a priest or a minister, the COVID-19 virus could affect anyone.

“We are all human and let us all learn to listen. I will stand strong in the fight of COVID-19 and see that everyone adheres to the Government call.”

Turaga-ni-Yavusa of Narukunibua Village, Ratu Sailosi Rodaivalu, was also disappointed with how some villagers were disobeying the village rules.

He said COVID-19 rules were simple and he doesn’t know why people were not following them.

“Please let us work together in supporting the Government, and the Ministry of Health as we fight against COVID-19,” he said.

Ratu Sailosi urged everyone to follow and respect COVID-19 measures in place for the safety of every Fijian.

Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu

Feedback: lusiana.tuimaisala@fijisun.com.fj