The US Embassy in Suva confirms that it has provided a travel alert to US citizens considering a trip to Fiji where they have stated that people need to remain cautious and alert in public places.
A US Embassy spokesperson says urban areas experience a higher incidence of crime than rural areas, but there are specific locations to avoid.
The spokesperson says most crimes are opportunistic.
The Embassy says in the travel alert that if you are not familiar with an area, ask hotel staff about areas to avoid.
The spokesperson also says the alert says several assaults and robberies have occurred in the bar and nightclub district of downtown Suva, the waterfront/seawall area during hours of darkness, as well as on Victoria Parade.
They say that people have to consider taking door-to-door transportation.
The alert also highlights that violent robberies and assaults continue to occur within the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and as of July 2023 there is no security presence on the trails.
The US travel alert also asks visiting US citizens to be attentive to their personal safety and be cautious about sharing too much personal information about where they are from and where they are staying while travelling. It also states that reports of sexual assaults against female tourists have increased.
It advises the visiting Americans not to walk alone after dark and always be sure to avoid isolated and deserted areas.
The alert further says since some crime takes place in taxis, do not allow taxis to pick up other passengers while you are enroute.
Similarly, they should never enter a taxi already carrying other passengers.
The US alert for Fiji states that although demonstrations are not common in Fiji, they should avoid marches and large crowds, remembering that even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent unexpectedly.
While Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua had earlier said that the travel alert is not from the US State Department but from an insurance company on Thursday, he later said that they didn’t have an official confirmation from the US Embassy.
Tikoduadua says at the time, a screenshot was circulating on social media attributed to insurance company ‘AIG’.
Tikoduadua says they do have confirmation now and he acknowledges the US Embassy’s concerns and respects their right to advise their citizens.
During his press conference at the Government Building last Thursday, the Minister assured the public that Police presence will be increased as they will be adding another 100 Police Constables to the Force.
Police have also put up tents and strategic locations around the Suva City area with the presence of officers in the day and night. This has resulted in attacks and robberies going down.
The police tents are along Victoria Parade, Cumming Street and Saint Fort Street.
He says additional personnel will play a vital role in increasing police presence on the streets and enhancing their ability to response to incidents properly.
Tikoduadua says by augmenting the police force, they aim to better achieve police to population ratio which will significantly contribute to the safety and security of all Fijian communities.
He further says this 100 Police Constables will be trained in a comprehensive manner, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve community effectively.
He adds this training will emphasise community engagement, de-escalation techniques and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that our police force, not only maintains law and order but also builds strong relationships with the people that they serve.
Tikoduadua says in addition to increase in police numbers, they are implementing the Police Behaviourial Insights Team Initiative.
He says this program will further enhance police visibility and accessibility in our neighbourhoods, fostering the sense of safety and reassurance for all citizens.
The Minister says with the combine efforts of the new recruits and the Police BIT program, they are confident in their ability to address the issues raised by the public and provide a safe environment for everyone.
He adds accountability remains the corner-stone of their strategy, and they firmly believe in transparency and the responsibility to maintain the trust placed in them by the citizens.
He says as such they are continuously reviewing and improving their systems, policies and practices to ensure law enforcers and agencies are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and offence.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew says they see people are coming up with the perception but when you look at perception and reality, the statistics itself says it is a decrease.
He says they will continue with their work in trying to manage and minimise whatever is speculated out there by the general public and social media.
Chew says they will continue their work as Police officers and manage what they are supposed to do and what is mandated under the Police Act.
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