PM Rabuka warns state of emergency fears could hurt tourism

Growing fears over a possible State of Emergency in Fiji are threatening to shake confidence in the country’s tourism industry.

Government has warned that increasing international attention on drug-related security concerns could discourage tourists from visiting Fiji.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Government remained cautious about the situation, especially with tourism continuing to serve as one of Fiji’s biggest economic drivers.

He made the comments during the Fiji Government’s Voqa ni Davui programme earlier this week.

Mr Rabuka acknowledged that any declaration of a State of Emergency could create fear among international visitors and overseas travel markets, potentially affecting visitor arrivals, tourism businesses, and local jobs that rely heavily on the industry.

The concerns come amid increasing pressure on authorities to respond to the country’s growing illicit drug problem and the threat posed by organised criminal networks.

Mr Rabuka recently met with Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai for a national security briefing.

He said both had confirmed they were still capable of carrying out their responsibilities under normal conditions.

“If there is to be any escalation, they will make the recommendation,” Mr Rabuka said.

At the national talanoa session on responding to illicit drugs in Fiji held earlier this year, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces warned that drug cartels were becoming increasingly bold and were now posing threats to national security.

Meanwhile, under Chapter 9 of Fiji’s Constitution, the Prime Minister may declare a State of Emergency if advised by the Police Commissioner and the RFMF Commander that Fiji’s security and safety are under threat and emergency powers are needed to respond effectively.

Such a declaration would also allow certain rights under the Bill of Rights to be temporarily limited, but only to the extent necessary to deal with the emergency situation.