ALL cruise ships should be banned from visiting Fiji and travel by Government ministers and officials should cease.
Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka said Government should seriously consider these measures, taking into account our communal way of living, and the popularity of the shared yaqona or “beer taki”.
He said Fijians were at high risk of this virus spreading rapidly once in Fiji.
“A month ago, I urged Government to review its response, precautionary and preventative measures every 24 hours given the fast moving effects of the spread of the virus, and given the many unknown variables on the virus,” he said.
“We must continue to do all we can to minimise risks associated with spreading of the virus.
Stopping the spread means we may benefit from progress made by scientists trying to develop a vaccine and cure for the virus.” Mr Rabuka claimed there were continuous reports of laxity in screening at our ports of entry.
“I am gravely concerned to note that Government continues to allow cruise ships to berth at our ports despite the rapid spread of the virus on other cruise ships.
“Let us not be ‘foolhardy’ with our peoples’ lives. We must take the extraordinary measures required. “Other Pacific Island countries have banned cruise ships.”
Mr Rabuka has also urged Government to encourage the planting of root crops and a simpler way of life to prepare our people for the pandemic.
He said a ban on official travel by Cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister and civil servants, would save badly needed funds for Fiji’s response to the global downturn in the wake of COVID-19, and also safeguard Fijians from officials bringing the virus in “as we see in French Polynesia this week where an official caught the virus in Paris and brought it home”.
“Taking precautionary measures is only common sense to ensure the protection of all our citizens.”
He added that the people of Fiji had high expectation that Government will take the necessary precautionary measures in the protection of their health and lives.
