Resource owners in Lau say they are sad and concerned about yachts being allowed to cruise in Fiji’s waters.
They were responding to an advisory released last month by the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) where foreign yachts were told to adhere to Fiji’s “rigorous quarantine protocols” while cruising in Fijian waters.
The chairman of the Bose ni Vanua O Lau, Roko Josefa Cinavilakeba, said he was deeply saddened considering the fact that chiefs and elders of the province had agreed on a travel ban until the country was cleared of COVID-19. “It should be noted that COVID-19 returned to Fiji when we allowed our borders to open,” Mr Cinavilakeba said.
“I do not agree with the stand taken by the Government to allow yachts to cruise our waters at a time when we are undergoing a health crisis as a nation.
“It should be seriously noted that the lives of our people matter the most during this time and not that of those wishing to spend their holidays cruising around our waters.” The high chief of Totoya said the elders prioritised the safety and lives of villagers.
Mr Cinavilakeba said despite the rigorous steps taken by the government to ensure yachties were cleared of COVID-19 before sailing, it would still be deemed unsafe for people on Lau.
In an advisory released on June 14, the CRMT stated any breach of berthing and quarantine protocols would result in the seizure of the vessel.
The task force stated all arriving yachts must travel to Port Denarau for Customs and quarantine clearing.
“Following the easing of restrictions in Nadi and Lautoka, vessels may disembark Viti Levu-based ports for contactless provisioning, except the Lami-Suva-Nausori containment zone,” said CRMT chairman Shri Gounder.
“Once a yacht successfully clears at Port Denarau and completes contactless provisioning, the vessel may cruise to other outer islands. The yacht must, at all times, display the Blue Lane fl ag provided at the time of clearance.”
Mr Gounder said yachts could also berth at Savusavu for clearing and while they could cruise throughout the island groups, “access to Viti Levu is prohibited”.
“Vessels cruising outside the containment zone may go ashore and partake in leisure activities such as watersports, snorkel, dive, etcetera while observing COVID-safe protocols.”
