Police officers have never shown up, says Bukama Village school head teacher Rohit Singh.
He told those present at the Lautoka, Nadi and Yasawa Heads of Schools Symposium yesterday that since 2021, officers based at the Nacula Police Post in Yasawa have never attended to their reports due to a lack of fuel.
“In the mainland, people are worried about reporting to the police, but we in the islands are worried about police showing up,” he said.
“They never show up.
“Cases date back to 2021. I had reported a case of a girl who was assaulted by a family member.
“During COVID-19, one of my teachers, who is sitting here and is now a head teacher, had the student in his class.
“We were told by the officers to bring the student down because they did not have any fuel.
“The funny thing is, from 2021 until today, they do not have any fuel.
“I just wonder where the fuel goes. They have never shown up to enquire about that case.”
Mr Singh said that last year the school also had a case of a parent coming to the school to harass a student.
“We reported that case, but still no fuel,” he added.
“So please, if you can elaborate on whether the island police posts are equipped with fuel so that we know when to report.”
In response, Western Division juvenile officer Sergeant Asenaca Taufa acknowledged the concerns raised by Mr Singh, saying she will be the contact person for reports from the outer islands moving forward.
Ms Taufa also told the teachers to save her official number should there be any cases that need urgent attention.
“I think I am the contact person from today onwards,” Ms Taufa said.
“I am based at the Western Police Force headquarters.
“And that should not be a problem in trying to facilitate fuel requests to go up to the Yasawas.
“We can always wait for the next tank of fuel.”
Ms Taufa urged the heads of schools to take note of her official mobile number for future reports.
“Any report, you just contact me, or any other cases that you have, or we have discussed and you are not sure whether it is an offence or not — that is an official number, and you can call me anytime.”
