Caretaker Fined For Racial Prejudice Advertisement

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has fined a caretaker $1,000 for displaying an advertisement which was discriminatory in nature.

The caretaker of the residential property in Samabula, Suva had displayed a notice on the gate which stated “Flat to Let”, “Indian Students Only”.

FCCC CEO, Mr Joel Abraham said that “Racial prejudices and discrimination has no place in Fiji. The FCCC is against such practices that seek to discriminate, based on racial or ethnic lines.”

Mr Abraham said Fijians should not be discriminated against or be denied access to any goods or services, including rental premises simply because they belong to a particular ethnic origin, gender, racial background, or birthplace’.

“Under Section 26(3) (a) of the Constitution, unfairly discriminating a person on the grounds of his or her race, colour, culture or ethnicity is a punishable offence.”

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is reminding residential landlords and caretakers to comply with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010 (FCCC Act 2010); the Rent Restriction Order on Residential Rent and other relevant laws of Fiji or face the consequences.

Under Section 76(1) of the FCCC Act 2010, A person shall not in trade or commerce with the supply or possible supply of goods or services to a person (referred to as the customer in this regards), engage in conduct that is in all the circumstances, unconscionable.