Fiji News

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory for Fiji due to a significant increase in dengue fever cases. As of early April, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a rise in dengue cases across the Western Pacific, prompting health officials to urge caution for travelers to affected areas. The Fiji government identifies several outbreaks, particularly in the Western and Central Divisions, with over 1,000 reported cases in the Central Division alone from January to late March. This uptick in cases exceeds expected levels for the same period last year, officials noted. "About half the world's population is now at risk for dengue," the WHO stated, with an estimated 100 to 400 million annual infections worldwide. Dengue fever can cause severe flu-like symptoms and may be fatal in extreme cases. There is currently no specific cure, but symptomatic relief is available. As climate change exacerbates weather patterns, researchers underline its role in increasing mosquito breeding, creating a perfect storm for the spread of dengue. The CDC advises travelers to minimize mosquito exposure in these high-risk regions.

Bradley Robert Dawson, a 40-year-old man from Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Christe Chen, during their honeymoon in Fiji in 2022. A High Court official in Lautoka reported that Dawson must serve at least 18 years before becoming eligible for parole. Dawson was convicted in December after fatally attacking Chen, 36, at the exclusive Turtle Island resort just two days after their wedding. Prosecutors revealed that resort staff discovered her body, showing signs of blunt force trauma, after the couple failed to show up for planned meals. The judge, Justice Riyaz Hamza, condemned Dawson's actions as showing a "disregard for life" and noted that he fled the scene by kayak following the incident. Dawson’s defense attorney claimed insufficient evidence for conviction, arguing that Dawson had no injuries and that personal belongings were left at the resort. However, the judge concluded that Dawson was guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

A man has been charged with the alleged rape and sexual assault of a Virgin Australia crew member in Fiji, which reportedly occurred on New Year’s Day. The incident took place in Nadi, a popular tourist destination on the western side of Viti Levu, while the crew members were celebrating New Year’s Eve. Acting police commissioner Juki Fong Chew confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Two incidents were reported, with one involving robbery alongside the alleged sexual assault. Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Viliame R Gavoka expressed regret over the incidents and extended thoughts and concerns for the victims' health and wellbeing. Local community leader Hosanna Kabakoro stated that the local population feels sympathy for the victims, highlighting the impact of such events in a nation reliant on tourism, which constitutes about 40% of Fiji's GDP. Virgin Australia has dispatched support staff to assist the crew amid the ongoing investigation. The affected crew members were expected to return home by the end of the week.

The Fijian police are investigating allegations of rape and theft involving two crew members from Virgin Australia Airlines. The incidents reportedly occurred early on New Year’s Day after the crew had left a nightclub in Nadi. Fiji's Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, confirmed that the two crew members were victims of separate incidents while attempting to return to their hotel. Virgin Australia acknowledged the situation and has dispatched personnel to provide assistance to the affected crew members, though they did not offer additional specifics. Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, expressed regret over the events and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. A suspect has already been questioned by authorities regarding the alleged sexual assault. Fiji is a well-known tourist destination, receiving a significant number of visitors from Australia, New Zealand, and North America, with nearly 77,000 arrivals in November alone, according to the country's tourism data.