Bula Vinaka everyone and a very happy new year!
I am glad we’re having this webinar today. A lot has happened since I last joined you all in November. First being, we finally re-opened our borders.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Having re-opened our borders and industry, I know we’re faced with some implementational challenges. Whether it’s testing or facilitating isolation, these issues are very different from what we’ve had to deal with two years ago. But they are also issues we anticipated and should have prepared for.
So this is an opportune time to take a minute to take stock of what’s worked well and what we need to improve on together.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With a new year often comes renewed optimism and hope. That should remain. You have all worked extremely hard to get your businesses back up and your staff trained and ready to welcome visitors.
The Ministry and I have full appreciation on how much work has been put individually and collectively as an industry. So Vinaka Vakalevu to everyone.
Ladies and Gentleman
When we opened our borders on 1 December 2021, we had a national test positivity of 2%. But as health experts cautioned us and as global indicators showed, we knew it was a matter of time until, like the rest of the world, we’d find ourselves in the midst of another wave – a wave that would potentially bring with it a new variant.
As confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services yesterday, we now, along with Delta, have the Omicron variant in our communities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Omicron variant is cause for great concern. Within a month, our test positivity has reached 34.7%.
A great deal of work is being done to ensure that boosters can be administered as soon as possible.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we have said in the past and continue to reiterate now, vaccines alone will not protect us.
Our strategy is vaccination plus compliance to COVID-Safe behavior. This will continue to be crucial in maintaining a COVID safe environment.
And for that to happen, we need to constantly and consistently practice basic health measures including wearing a face mask in all public indoor spaces and crowded outdoor settings, maintain 2 metre physical distancing, sanitising, avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, washing hands and of course, get a booster shot when you’re due.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The COVID Safe Ambassadors Programme, which we introduced last year, will continue to be an added mechanism to advocate adherence of COVID-Safe measures and to see that businesses follow the COVID-Safe measures.
We will be increasing our footprint on the ground as a joint task force, together with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, Fiji Police Force and Ministry of Health and Medical and Services. We need more businesses to become COVID-Safe compliant.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
So my main message this morning is that we shouldn’t compromise the health and safety of our visitors, staff and Fijian communities over profits.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
When you received your Care Fiji Commitment certification and your Permit to Operate – you took on the responsibility to fulfil that commitment.
That means, all of you here have a duty of care. You have a duty of care to:
– maintain isolation rooms
– ensure your guests are tested on time
– ensure your frontline staff too are tested regularly
– communicate with them regularly
– ensure that you, your staff, and your guests adhere to the strategy of vaccination plus COVID Safe behaviour. By now, masks should be part of your uniform
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I want us to also remember, though these are trying times, there is something we have long been known for – our Fijian hospitality. And that is what sets us apart from our competitors.
So please, always maintain that Bula spirit because that personal touch makes all the more difference in a person’s holiday experience.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
These are, and will remain the very fundamental part of your daily business. It has to be if we are to remain open and continue receiving guests.
I take this opportunity to also acknowledge the Working Group that has been working with the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) supporting our safe re-opening.
Personally, and as a Minister, I am very proud of all of you for all that you’ve done thus far. Let not all go to waste – this is a stark reality of where we are today.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Government and the Ministry will continue to work with you through the various channels to ensure that for as many challenges we face – we have a solution.
I now look forward to hearing from all of you.
Vinaka!