Police have set up checkpoints around Fiji's two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, as a precautionary measure. Yesterday, Fiji Police put out a statement cautioning people to refrain from making hate speech that they said could lead to racial tension. The warning from the Police stems from heated discussions regarding Bill 17 of 2021 on social media platforms. CLICK ON HEADLINE FOR MORE

Fiji’s Methodist Church President Reverend Ili Vunisuwai has written to the President of Fiji Major-General (Rtd) Jioji Konrote asking for his intervention to withdraw a proposed land bill and allow for “robust, open and extensive consultation between the State, Itaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) and all landowners.” In a letter dated 24 July and copied to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Reverent Vunisuwai raised concerns over racial tensions and divide stemming from social media discussions over Bill 17 of 2021 which Fiji’s Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum insists does not remove landowners’ rights nor the benefits they derive from it but make it more marketable and attractive to lease. This explanation, it appears has done little to sway the indigenous populace who are questioning the timing, motive of the document and the manner it is being presented and are of the view that no changes should be made without prior consultations and consent by landowners, a stance they are maintaining that has prompted heated discussions bordering on racial slurs on social media platforms. CLICK ON HEADLINE FOR MORE