Towler criticises U.S trafficking rating of Fiji

The United States of America (U.S) has no right to classify Fiji’s security level, retired business owner Mike Towler said.

“They have not covered themselves in any glory,” he said.

“What right do they have to rate us when they themselves are breaking all the rules on people trafficking, and many other human rights issues,” he said.

Mr Towler’s comments followed queries about how Fiji could further downgrade its ratings on the U.S Trafficking In Persons report, after the Reserve Bank of Fiji cited it among reasons behind geopolitical and trade tensions.

Governor Ariff Ali said the rating could further undermine Fiji’s position as a safe investment and tourism destination, weighing on growth prospects.

The U.S Embassy did not comment when this edition went to print in the Fiji Sun.