NO individual or company is above the law, says permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, as the ministry reaffirmed their full support behind the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) amid criticism from Goundar Shipping Services.
The ministry’s stance followed public threats by Goundar Shipping to withdraw services and comments questioning MSAF’s oversight.
“Safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance are not optional – they are legal and moral obligations,” Dr Michael said.
“No individual or company is above the law.”
He said inter-island shipping, which included high-speed vessels, played a vital socio-economic role in Fiji.
However, Dr Michael noted that these services should not jeopardise marine ecosystems or violate national regulations.
“These benefits must be carefully balanced with the potential environmental risks posed by such operations, including disruption of marine migratory pathways, reef degradation due to wave propulsion, and increased carbon emissions from fossil fuel use,” he said.
“In line with the Environment Management Act 2005, MECC, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) consultant registered with the ministry should carry out a comprehensive EIA before any clearance is considered.
“We operate within a framework of laws and procedures designed to protect the safety of passengers and the integrity of our environment.
“These cannot be bypassed for convenience.”
