Parents of students taking part in the finals of Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union (FSSRU) Deans competition can breathe a sigh of relief after Police have assured the safety of their children while travelling down to the west this weekend.

Yesterday, the Fiji Sun had highlighted concerns of parents and heads of schools on the safety of the students after an alleged stoning incident injured a Suva Grammar and Marist student while returning from the games on Saturday night.

This issue has now prompted the Fiji Police Force Chief Operations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Khan, to put together a traffic management plan, which includes escorting packages for participating teams this weekend.

Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho said the recent attacks on students returning from the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union Dean’s Competition in the Western Division will not be condoned.

“Operational plans are being put together to ensure the safety of students, parents and guardians and supporters,” Brigadier-General Qiliho assured.

“Operations will be boosted this weekend and reiterate the warning that unruly behavior will not be condoned.

“We are also calling on parents, guardians and teachers to be mindful of their children’s behavior and activities to and from the tournament venue and be considerate of other members of the public.”

Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union

The Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union (FSSRU) president Jone Kanalagi has reassured parents and guardians the safety of students traveling to Lautoka for the rugby competition this week.

This comes after the Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho had announced that an operational plan had been put together by the Fiji Police Force to ensure the safety of students, parents and guardians and supporters.

Mr Kanalagi said parents and guardians should not worry about their children’s safety as there was a plan in place for police officers to escort schools participating in the finals.

“I would like to acknowledge the Fiji Police Force for announcing that they have put together a traffic management plan,” he said.

“For me, I know that some parents and guardians are hesitant to let their children go and participate in the rugby competition on Saturday after the incident on Saturday.

“But the Fiji Police Force providing security should be an assurance to parents and guardians of the children’s safety, this weekend.

“The committee had planned last night including the presence of a rep from the Fiji Police Force. They would also be present at Churchill Park on Saturday.

“This was to ensure there was no brawl within the schools and laws are upheld during the Fiji Secondary School Rugby competition this weekend,” he said.

Fiji Bus Operators Association

Fiji Bus Operators Association president, Richard Lal, said it was important that drivers were protected as well when transporting students to and from sporting avenues.

“We are very concerned about that and I think the LTA (Land Transport Authority) and even the Police department should look at it very strongly with respect to protecting our drivers,” he said.

He said it was a very serious crime for people to attack a public service person.

“And any other important roles,” he added.

“Drivers should be protected as well. Fine and jail terms for those that attack them should be very high.

“It’s for the administrators, children to behave and the parents to counsel kids.”

Parents who spoke to the Fiji Sun yesterday on the basis of anonymity expressed their gratitude to the Fiji Sun for the action by Police to ensure the safety of their children travelling down this weekend.

Story By: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA and JOSEFA BABITU

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