TOURISM Minister Viliame Gavoka has confirmed legal advice is being sought over claims of a senior Tourism Fiji staff member’s alleged interest in a tourist tour business.
Allegations made on social media have highlighted how the senior official had a 50 per cent stake in a business that offers tours to tourist hot spots in the Western Division.
According to the social media claims, this was in breach of the Tourism Fiji Act 2004 which stipulates under Section 9 (3) that “an officer or staff member of the corporation must declare any interest relating to any tourism industry to the chief executive who must advise the board or a special committee of the nature of the interest”.
In response, Mr Gavoka said he was aware of the allegations.
“I am aware of the issue raised and understand that legal advice is being sought,” he said.
“I am assured that the official has not used their position to benefit themselves personally.”
In an email to this newspaper, Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill said he would no longer comment on the allegations.
“As mentioned previously, I do not wish to comment on allegations made by an anonymous blog post,” said Mr Hill.
“I firmly believe that The Fiji Times should not be responding to a page that remains anonymous and throws out any and every sort of allegation.
“As advised previously this is now a legal matter and in the hands of lawyers.
“We will not be supplying a comment.”
