FTUC calling for curfew to be removed however Seruiratu says people are only talking when Fiji is COVID free

The Fiji Trades Union Congress is calling on the government to remove the nationwide curfew as there is no need for it however Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu says people have only started to talk when Fiji is COVID-19 free.

In a statement, FTUC General Secretary Felix Anthony says they see no logic in keeping the curfew because it does nothing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Anthony says it now appears that government only wishes to ensure full control of the people with a view to implanting its authority in the minds of people.

When questioned, Seruiratu says we must not forget that these measures were put in place so that we do not have a community outbreak and COVID-19 is under control.

Anthony further says they understand some citizens may be concerned about the increase in crime if curfew is removed but believes that locking up innocent citizens in their homes is not the solution.

He says the police officers that are made to sit around checkpoints at night to monitor the curfew could well be used to address the crime situation wherever it may exist.

In his response, Seruiratu says police cannot be every where.