Opposition Member of Parliament Faiyaz Koya has raised alarm about a growing trend of individuals discussing serious aviation issues on social media. Speaking in Parliament, Koya argued that Fiji’s civil aviation system should not be compromised by what he termed “every Tom, Dick and Harry” airing grievances online.
He highlighted that allegations of corruption or misuse of power within the aviation industry should be addressed through appropriate legal channels instead of public platforms like Facebook. “It’s become habitual in Fiji that every Tom, Dick and Harry raises their issues on social media,” Koya noted. He urged individuals with legitimate concerns supported by evidence to approach the proper authorities.
Koya’s remarks came in response to claims made by an independent aviation operator regarding mismanagement and malpractice by the regulatory body. He emphasized the necessity of following formal grievance procedures, warning that gossip could expose vulnerabilities in air safety and weaken public trust.
Defending the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), Koya asserted that it operates under stringent international standards, particularly as a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He stated, “We can sympathize with an operator, but there is no compromise when it comes to safety,” arguing that CAAF must fulfill its role without the influence of public opinion.
His call for adherence to formal protocols aligns with prior statements made by government officials regarding the need to comply with ICAO standards amidst the increase in social media speculation. Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka and other officials have also defended Fiji’s aviation licensing framework, stressing that misinformation could harm the nation’s reputation while affirming that CAAF upholds high safety and regulatory benchmarks.
Koya’s emphasis on formal accountability signals an ongoing commitment to greater transparency and governance in Fiji’s aviation sector. The hope is that fostering a culture of constructive dialogue through official channels will enhance safety and operational efficiency while rebuilding public confidence in the oversight of the industry. With a focus on maintaining operational integrity, Fiji is poised to meet international aviation standards, thereby reassuring stakeholders and strengthening trust in the sector.