Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has urged the people of Ra to seek information from the Marine Department so that they can avoid the usage of illegal diving gear which has caused a number of deaths in the country.

Bainimarama raised this issue while closing the Ra Integrated Coastal Management Plan at Nanukuloa village in Ra this afternoon.

He says that it is important for divers to seek information from the Marine Department, look after their health and in turn they can look after their qoliqoli well.

Bainimarama also highlighted that Fiji is leading the fight against Climate Change and government is ready to assist any type of project that will help sustain our environment especially in protecting our coastal areas.

He stressed eight important issues that need to be addressed including the illegal extraction of loose gravel, unnecessary burning of forests, illegal fishing, unlawful method of fishing that destroys marine ecosystems, proper disposal of rubbish, destructive farming practices that reduces the richness and quality of the soil, protection of the Vatu-i-Ra Passage and its surrounding environment and unlawful extraction of sand.

Bainimarama also thanked the people of Ra for their unity and hard work in the rehabilitation works after Cyclone Winston which resulted in their quick recovery until today.