Previous Story
Fiji nuclear-free flotilla demonstrates solidarity
|
Posted on Mar 13 2001
Suva Harbor today witnessed a flotilla of boats whose owners protested against the transshipment of dangerous plutonium fuel (MOX – mixed oxide fuel) through the Pacific Islands region.
Flotilla spokesperson Natalia Bentley said that the group wanted to lend its voice to the campaign to stop the transshipment of hazardous nuclear material through the Pacific region. She strongly urged the governments of France, Britain and Japan to cease using the Pacific Ocean as a freeway for transporting the hazardous material.
“We have organized today’s events to show our solidarity and support for the recent Tasman Peace flotilla which also called for an immediate end to these transshipments,” Ms. Bentley added.
“It is vital that we make a stand on this issue as Fiji islanders as we will have to live with the consequences of any accidents that may occur in our region,” she said. Ms. Bentley added that the flotilla also echoed opposition to the shipments in other Pacific Island nations.
She commended the stand recently taken by the South Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in voicing their concern but added that Pacific Island leaders need to be more vigilant in their efforts to put a stop to the transshipments of hazardous nuclear material once and for all. She added that they need to make a firm and decisive stand on issues that would directly impact on the lives of Pacific Island people.
The Fiji Ecotourism Association (FETA) president, Kelly Bricker, has expressed her organization’s support for today’s peace flotilla.
“The Fiji Ecotourism Association is in support of programs that protect and preserve all South Pacific ecosystems, especially fragile marine and coastal areas,” she said.
Strong backing has also come from youth groups, such as Youthemedia, and the Pacific Concerns Resource Center.
The Nuclear Free Flotilla organizing group includes representatives from regional organisations, non-government organisations, local canoe and boat clubs, youth groups and concerned citizens.
