Case dropped against unionist

fiji – A prominent trade unionist in Fiji said he’s not surprised the public prosecutor has decided not to push ahead with charges against him. Felix Anthony, who is the head of the Trade Unions Congress, was arrested at the end of January over comments he made in support of striking airport workers in Nadi.

At the time, Anthony said he was accused of “sabotaging the economy” for remarks he made about the possibility of a national strike. But this week director of public prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, said the comments did not constitute any offence.

“It’s no surprise,” said Anthony. “The excuse that was given was a lame one, the investigations were mainly to intimidate me and the trade union movement, and that it was improper that the workers of this country be denied the right to protest.”

Yesterday, the police rejected an application from the Trade Unions Congress for a permit to march in Suva today.

However, Anthony said the prosecutor’s announcement came too late to save that march.

Rock thrown at relief vehicle

TONGA – Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) director said his staff are doing the best they can to get supplies to those who need it after this month’s destructive Tropical Cyclone Gita.

However in the early hours of Wednesday morning a rock was thrown at a NEMO truck when returning from distributing aid.

Director Leveni ‘Aho said no one was hurt but a complaint had been laid with police.

‘Aho said, in general, people appreciate what they are doing.

“There is always speculation that we are not reaching out to everyone. We are trying our best here.”

‘Aho said by now everyone who urgently needed basic necessities should have been reached – but he has encouraged anyone who hasn’t to get in contact with his office.”

He said the incident is still concerning:“To do an irresponsible act like that you need to be locked up but we still go on with our service and we are here to help the people of Tonga overall.”