Key Takeaways:
– Two Virgin Australia crew members were allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed in Nadi, Fiji, on New Year’s Day.
– Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka emphasizes safety for tourists in nightclub areas and urges caution.
– A known suspect for the sexual assault case has been questioned
– Crime rates in Fiji increased by 6% in October compared to the previous year.
– Virgin Australia sent representatives to seek crew members’ safety and provide support.
Fiji Police Launches Investigation
On New Year’s Day, shocking news emerged from Fiji involving two Virgin Australia crew members. According to Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, Fiji police are actively probing allegations of theft and sexual assault affecting two crew members from Virgin Australia. The incidents took place in the nightclub area of Nadi, a city that hosts the country’s international airport.
After the alleged incidents, Gavoka expressed regret, stating that two separate occurrences cropped up – one involving theft and the other sexual assault. The alleged victims were two different crew members of the Australian airline, and investigations are underway.
A known suspect regarding the sexual assault case has been questioned, and the investigation is ongoing. The crew members are now accommodated in a local hotel, where the airline temporarily houses its crew during layovers.
Ensuring Staff Safety and Support
In response to the incident, Virgin Australia has taken active steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its staff. The airline dispatched representatives to Fiji to offer necessary support and aid for the affected team. The crew members are expected to return home this week after assisting the police with their investigation.
Tourist Safety in Fiji
Accompanying the news of the alleged incidents, Gavoka, who also holds the role of Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, advised tourists to remain vigilant in nightlife zones and during late hours. He acknowledged that such attacks could happen anywhere, indicating that Fiji was not exempt from potential dangers.
Fiji Crime Rates, Tourism, and Safety
Fiji’s most recent crime statistics, released in November, hinted at an upward trend. According to the data, the crime rate in Fiji for the month of October showed a 6% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. Safety concerns like these could have considerable ramifications for Fiji’s tourism industry which welcomes nearly a million visitors annually.
Last month, in a separate incident, seven foreign tourists, which included an American, were hospitalized after consuming cocktails at a resort bar in Fiji. Initial speculations pointed towards possible poisoning from alcohol or illicit substances. However, officials later discarded this theory based on toxicology reports, confirming that the tourists had not been poisoned by either alcohol or illegal drugs.
As tourism is a critical pillar of Fiji’s economy, maintaining and ensuring its reputation as a safe travel destination is vital for the island nation. While the current incidents regarding the Virgin Australia crew pose significant concerns, it’s important for visitors and tourists to stay informed and take necessary precautions during their stay.