Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says the Fiji Police Force will not allow its cane harvesting operations to become a “political football”, defending the deployment strategies being used to protect farmers and prevent cane burning.
Police have begun cane-cutting operations across the country, with Divisional Police Commanders adopting patrol methods suited to their respective areas, including caravans, horse patrols and quick response teams.
Commissioner Tudravu said the focus is on increasing police visibility in areas prone to cane burning and supporting farmers during the harvesting season.
“Whether the Divisional Police Commanders opt to deploy officers in a caravan, by horse patrol or quick response teams, we should be supportive of the operations for the sake of the farmers who depend on the sugar industry for their livelihoods.”
He acknowledged that policing initiatives would continue to attract political criticism but said officers remained focused on protecting the farming community.
“The Commissioner of Police recognises that law enforcement will continue to be used as a political football, however, for the greater good of the sugar cane farming community, political parties and communities are requested to work together and support farmers and all efforts towards ensuring minimal disruptions to the harvesting operations.”
Commissioner Tudravu said criticism should not overshadow operational measures that are delivering results.
“It’s easy to criticize and mock officers and policing measures adopted, however, we will not let negativity hold us back as these are strategies that work best for the Divisions concerned.”
He said police had already received encouraging feedback from farmers and would continue reviewing deployments as operational needs changed.
“We have received positive responses from the farmers and will reassess deployment and strategies in accordance with operational demands.”
The Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to help protect the sugar industry by reporting suspicious activity linked to cane fires.
“Sugar cane farm burnings are always of concern during the harvesting season, and we urge members of the public to share information or report suspicious activities to 1681.”
