Lau pushes for tougher oversight of foreign yachts on their islands

Lau's traditional leaders are calling for tighter monitoring of foreign yachts entering the province, warning that the current cruising permit system is leaving island communities exposed to drug trafficking and other illegal activities.

The concerns were raised yesterday during the Bose Vanua ni Yasana o Lau at the Yatu Lau Conference Centre in Suva, where chiefs met with representatives from the Fiji Navy, Fiji Customs, the iTaukei Affairs Board and the Fiji Police Force ahead of the annual Bose ni Yasana o Lau.

Roko Tui Lau Jioji Tupou Kalounivalu said chiefs were increasingly alarmed by the movement of yachts through Lau waters, particularly following recent incidents involving illicit drugs washing ashore across the islands.

He said the existing cruising permit system allowed yachts to remain in Fiji for up to six months with limited oversight of their movements.

“We’ve had some experiences with not only yachts but submersible vessels that were spotted and found in Lau,” Mr Kalounivalu said.

“The biggest concern for us is that when cruising permits are issued, it’s for six months and there’s no regulated programme on when they will be in Lau or when they will be visiting these islands.”

Mr Kalounivalu said communities were often caught off guard when yachts arrived without prior notice.

“Normally we’ll just be there and a yacht will show up in the morning and they’ll start doing activities around the islands. We don’t even know who are on the vessels.”

He said chiefs wanted the permit system reviewed so vessel movements could be better coordinated with island communities.

“The permits should come with certain information and scheduled times for when they will visit the islands.”

Mr Kalounivalu said discussions with the Fiji Navy, Customs and the iTaukei Affairs Board were constructive, with government agencies assuring chiefs that the concerns raised would be considered.

The meeting also discussed strengthening community policing in Lau, tackling crime and drug-related issues, and establishing a Lau Economic Advisory Team to guide the province's long-term strategic development.