Fiji to Permanently Ban Companies that Disregard Environmental Laws

The Fiji government will introduce a new law to permanently ban companies that disregard environmental laws and protection. The prime minister, Frank Bainimarama made this statement after three New Zealand journalists were detained by the Fiji Police for allegedly criminal trespassing. The journalists, newsroom co-editor Mark Jennings, investigations editor Melanie Reid and cameraman Hayden Aull were trying to interview Freesoul Real Estate Development developer at its Suva office. They were held overnight at the Suva police station.

Environmentalists and villagers were shocked at the controversial monumental Chinese Hotel Development on Malolo Island for ripping out part of a reef, dumping waste, blocking landowners and disturbing traditional fisheries, that too before gaining legal approvals.

Bainimarama said Fiji needs to send a strong message to Freesoul Real Estate Development and other developers wanting to cause harm are not welcome. "That message needs to be backed by law to prevent repeat offences from bad-faith developers. That is why we have been considering a law which we will urgently introduce in the next session of Parliament to permanently ban companies that blatantly disregard our environmental laws and protections." The prime minister said the conduct of Freesoul Real Estate Development has been deeply concerning. "As both a Fijian who treasures our environment and a global advocate for sustainable development, I share in the public's outrage."

He reiterated that Fiji will not tolerate any attempts to violate the historic environmental protections enshrined in the Constitution. "We will continue to lead from the front on this issue, at home and aboard. We will continue to walk the talk for the sake of our environment, for the sake of our way of life and for the sake of those who come after us."

Bainimarama said he believes the New Zealand journalists were present in Fiji to report on the recent charges the government had brought against Freesoul Real Estate Development. He added that the news media has been an ally in accountability, helping to expose the company's illegal environmental destruction. Bainimarama said the detention of the journalists was an isolated incident and blown out of proportion.