Seven Fined $300 Each For Drinking Kava
On May 4 the fishermen gathered at a Susan Cava’s house in Naduri Village, Labasa.
Tuesday 01 June 2021 | 15:46
Magistrate Bimsara Jagodage yesterday made an example of those who failed to comply with COVID-19 safe protocols.
He fined seven people $300 each at the Labasa Magistrates Court.
Fero Caba, Laisiasa Maduanabarua, Tomasi Korovakaturaga, Semi Vuniwai, Etuate Rokomatanivai, Sairusi Kauvere and Simione Cerewawa appeared before Magistrate Bimsara Jagodage.
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They all pleaded guilty.
On May 4 the fishermen gathered at a Susan Cava’s house in Naduri Village, Labasa.
They were drinking kava and after 1am they started drinking rice whiskey.
Magistrate Jagodage said a clear message was to be sent out so that people stop gathering over drinking kava.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services and frontliners are working very hard to contain the spread of coronavirus and we should help them out instead of breaching restrictions,” Magistrate Jagodage said.
“Since you all are first offenders, pleaded guilty early saving the court’s time and cooperated with the Police, I will consider all those while sentencing you.”
The seven had been in remand since May 5.
They were given 30 days to pay the fine. The case has been adjourned for July 2 for review.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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