Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has said it has made no statement directed toward any Government Ministry, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, or any Government official.
PRF Founder Amitesh Deo has issued a statement after Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Mosese Bulitavu attacked PRF which had raised the issue of school students used to clean up waste after public events.
“PRF would like to make it unequivocally clear that our concern is not with students participating in awareness and advocacy efforts; in fact, we actively support youth leadership in environmental action,” said Mr Deo.
“What we have called out is the growing and problematic culture where students are brought in to clean up after adults at public events, especially sports gatherings, after the adults have irresponsibly littered.”
“This is not only disrespectful to young people but also contradicts the very values of dignity that we are trying to advocate for them.”
Mr Deo added PRF has not implicated the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on the issue.
“Our call was simply for adults to clean up after themselves and for students to be involved in meaningful advocacy and not used as cleanup crews.”
Mr Deo said they recognise and appreciate the political will demonstrated by key political leaders in supporting grassroots recycling efforts and ensuring inclusivity in Fiji’s waste management approach,” said Mr Deo.
“PRF has always supported structured, sustainable, and systemic reforms and continues to commend the Ministry’s multi-layered strategy, including Fiji’s two-year National Anti-Litter Campaign, efforts on single-use plastics, and the development of Container Deposit Regulations.”
