Fiji on very high alert after Japan’s plan to release more than 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean

Fiji on very high alert after Japan’s plan to release more than 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean

By Vijay Narayan
Friday 03/03/2023
Acting Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica

A question that has been asked is, if the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water is so safe, why not re-use it in Japan for alternative purposes – in manufacturing and agriculture for instance.

Acting Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica has made this comment after Japan’s plan to release more than 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean over around four decades.

Kamikamica says as outgoing Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Fiji stands with the decision of the Forum Leaders in Nadi last week that our position about the planned release of ALPS-treated water by the Government of Japan be guided by science and data.

He says the planned release by Japan will have trans-boundary impacts across the Pacific Ocean and it is important that we reach a shared understanding on the implications of this release before we move ahead.

Kamikamica says just yesterday, we commemorated once again the day dedicated to the memories of victims and survivors of nuclear testing and waste.

He says this is a legacy that was forced upon our people by nuclear states who, to this day, still refuse to admit their actions and the intergenerational, permanent impacts to our health and our homes.

The Acting Prime Minister says justice remains evasive.

He says the plans by Japan are therefore keeping Fiji on very high alert.

Kamikamica says we have learned our lesson the hard way, and we cannot leave the same legacy for current and future generations.

Kamikamica says as a Pacific Islands Forum, they have established an independent panel of scientific experts to advise them on this complex issue and to review the data and information that is informing Japan’s position on this matter.

He says in simple terms, the independent panel of experts have not been able to reach the same conclusion as the Japanese Government and the IAEA, based on the data and information that has been shared with them.

Kamikamica also says soon after chairing the Forum Leaders Special Retreat in Nadi, Prime Minister Rabuka left to attend this week’s Oceans Conference in Panama.

He says we live in the Pacific Ocean, and we are a ‘family of the ocean.”

He further says that the health of the Pacific Ocean is vitally important for us, it is a source of livelihood to many, it holds the only healthy stock of tuna in the world, and it forms a key part of the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy, emphasizing the preservation, protection and security of the ocean and our people.


FEATURE NEWS
2 out 3 of women in every church in Fiji experience domestic violence – Rev. Bhagwan
2 out of 3 women in every church in Fiji experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and there are uncomfortable truths that need to be ...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Prof. Biman Prasad to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm Wednesday
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad will appear on fijivillage Straight With Vijay Narayan at 7pm ...
5 hours ago

Students disappointed as MGM High School cancels Year 13 graduation over unpaid walk-a-thon pledges
MGM High School students are raising concerns as the school will not be holding a graduation ceremony for Year 13 students this year, as some ...
5 hours ago

COP29: Charan Jeath Singh tells Ketan Lal to refund money spent on him while Lal says Singh added little value at meetings
Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh has told Opposition bloc of 16 member Ketan Lal to refund his air ticket and per diem claims to the ...
5 hours ago

Bail extended for $296,000 LTA scam duo
The Lautoka Magistrates Court has extended the bail for the couple who were allegedly involved in a $296,000 taxi permit scam. Land Transport ...
7 hours ago

Kiran defends Fiji delegation’s efforts at COP29 amid criticism from Charan Jeath Singh
Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran has highlighted the commitment and tenacity of the Fijian delegation and has paid tribute to those who have ...
7 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Doctor Alipate Vakamocea on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan The show will focus on ...
9 days ago

Mangal and Akauola on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Adult Teen Challenge Fiji Executive Director, Hemraj Mangal and Director, Matai Akauola appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan The ...
9 days ago

Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
16 days ago

TOP