National Federation Party vice-president Lenora Qereqeretabua says the decision by police to disperse a march by youths in support of Government’s participation at COP26 made no sense at all.
In a statement released yesterday, she also said “the hypocrisy of the FijiFirst Government is unbelievable”.
“Frank Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum give speeches in Glasgow against climate change. But young people in Fiji are not allowed to march and show their support for the same thing,” Ms Qereqeretabua said.
She was commenting on police halting the COP26 March for Creation organised by Catholic youths in Suva as a mark of solidarity with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his team in Glasgow, Scotland.
Ms Qereqeretabua said Saturday was a day of action for young people all over the world to rally and demand climate justice.
“In hundreds of places, young people turned out in support.
“But not in Fiji. Why? Because the police said they needed a permit from the Fiji Roads Authority to march on the footpath.
“Young people are already frustrated with this Government for failing to address their concerns.
“And now, even when they try to speak up on the same side as the government, they are stopped.”
Questions sent to Mr Bainimarama, Attorney-General Mr Sayed-Khaiyum and police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro on the comments made by Ms Qereqeretabua remain unanswered.
However, in response to queries from The Fiji Times on Saturday, Ms Naisoro said no application had been made to police with regards to a march and, as such, no permit had been granted.
She said senior church members present at the march were informed that any permit for a public march had to be issued by police in consultation with the FRA (Fiji Roads Authority) and the respective municipal council.
