‘No yachts until borders reopen’
Villagers enjoy a swim at Qilaqila Bay in Vanuabalavu, Lau. Picture: SUPPLIED
THE traditional owners of Qilaqila Bay of Islands on Vanuabalavu, Lau, say they will not allow any yachts to berth until Fiji reopens its borders.
The iqoliqoli owners said the safety of their people remained paramount for them.
This was clearly outlined in a letter to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs by elders of Daliconi Village.
The elders said they hoped the ministry would respect their decision because they did not want villagers exposed to COVID-19.
They said they were concerned about exposure to the pandemic after Government announced its Blue Lane initiative.
Villager Samisoni Pareti said the decision was purely based on the health and safety concerns the village had about the transmission of COVID-19.
“We are concerned about the news that sea borders have been re-opened and that yachts will be allowed into Fijian waters, including waters in Lau,” Mr Pareti said.
“Out of our concern for the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are calling on the good office of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to see to it that these yachts are not allowed into the natural anchorage of Qilaqila.
“The Turaga Tui Daku wishes to commend the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs for receiving our request about Qilaqila and we trust visiting yachties, including superyachts, will afford us the same respect.”
Mr Pareti said until all international borders in Fiji were reopened, they preferred to keep Qilaqila, including the waterfront of their village in Daliconi, closed to overseas vessels.
In a recent Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry business forum, Port Denarau marina chief executive Cynthia Rasch explained that under the VIP Blue Lane initiative, which focused on high net-worth individuals or wealthy millionaires and billionaires, people could fly to Fiji on their private jets and board their superyachts where a quarantine boat that would move around with them.
“They are not allowed to disembark or get off at any shore, any land,” Ms Rasch said.
“They are only allowed to enjoy the surf and sun. Basically, enjoy the water and once their 14-day quarantine period is over and they have cleared themselves up, they can enjoy Fiji or they can leave.”
Questions sent to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the attorney-general remain unanswered.
The iqoliqoli owners said the safety of their people remained paramount for them.
This was clearly outlined in a letter to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs by elders of Daliconi Village.
The elders said they hoped the ministry would respect their decision because they did not want villagers exposed to COVID-19.
They said they were concerned about exposure to the pandemic after Government announced its Blue Lane initiative.
Villager Samisoni Pareti said the decision was purely based on the health and safety concerns the village had about the transmission of COVID-19.
“We are concerned about the news that sea borders have been re-opened and that yachts will be allowed into Fijian waters, including waters in Lau,” Mr Pareti said.
“Out of our concern for the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are calling on the good office of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to see to it that these yachts are not allowed into the natural anchorage of Qilaqila.
“The Turaga Tui Daku wishes to commend the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs for receiving our request about Qilaqila and we trust visiting yachties, including superyachts, will afford us the same respect.”
Mr Pareti said until all international borders in Fiji were reopened, they preferred to keep Qilaqila, including the waterfront of their village in Daliconi, closed to overseas vessels.
In a recent Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry business forum, Port Denarau marina chief executive Cynthia Rasch explained that under the VIP Blue Lane initiative, which focused on high net-worth individuals or wealthy millionaires and billionaires, people could fly to Fiji on their private jets and board their superyachts where a quarantine boat that would move around with them.
“They are not allowed to disembark or get off at any shore, any land,” Ms Rasch said.
“They are only allowed to enjoy the surf and sun. Basically, enjoy the water and once their 14-day quarantine period is over and they have cleared themselves up, they can enjoy Fiji or they can leave.”
Questions sent to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the attorney-general remain unanswered.