Taveuni farmer alleges racist abuse by civil servant

A Taveuni farmer and businessman has accused a civil servant of making a racist comment on Facebook and plans to seek disciplinary action through the Public Service Commission.

Abhishek Sapra said he had posted on Facebook about the ongoing theft of yaqona on the island and called on the Fiji Police Force to investigate.

He alleged that a civil servant, believed to be employed by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, responded to the post with a comment he described as racist.

According to Mr Sapra, the comment stated: “It’s a common thing with Indos. Seen it in India too. No patience.”

“This racial slur against Indo-Fijians is unacceptable from any citizen, let alone a public servant paid by taxpayers,” Mr Sapra said.

“He showed contempt for farming communities and called a concerned citizen an ‘idiot’ for contacting a minister as a last resort after years of ministry failure.”

Mr Sapra said public servants were employed to assist citizens, not to engage in racial abuse online.

“He racially abused me and another farmer, who is also a single mother, on a public platform where others could view the comments,” he said.

“I will be formally writing to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the ministry where he works, which is clearly stated on his profile, seeking disciplinary action because we are taxpayers as well.”

Mr Sapra also thanked Police for responding to his complaint about yaqona theft following his Facebook post on Sunday.

Earlier this month, PSC chairperson Luke Rokovada warned that civil servants who use social media to attack colleagues or members of the public could face disciplinary action if complaints are lodged and substantiated.

He said public officers were expected to uphold professional standards and comply with established codes of conduct both online and offline.

When contacted yesterday, Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Jovesa Vocea said he had not seen the post or comment and was not in a position to provide comment.

He suggested waiting for Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu to return to office today to investigate the matter and comment.

Mr Bulitavu later said the ministry would activate its internal complaints process regarding the staff member.

“This will involve interviews with all parties involved,” he said.