Police says ‘no’ to conference extension

The Fiji Police Force will not allow the Methodist Church to extend its annual conference beyond three days, confirms  Director Operations, SSP Rusiate Tudravu.

Tudravu told FijiLive they are only looking at the three-day permit only and will not be able to but extend the timeframe of the conference.

 The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma had approached Police for an extension as according to the their general secretary Rev Tevita Nawadra, they have very limited time and have so many things still left to discuss and hence they needed time.

“The meeting has been a bit difficult realizing the shortage of time. We want to discuss more but need extra time,” said Rev Nawadra.

However, Tudravu said the Church will have to apply for another permit on a later day if they would like to finish the agenda of the meeting.

He said he cannot confirm the granting of another permit application yet but said the decision will come from the Police Commissioner.

Rev Nawadra said they will try and go through all the issues this afternoon and if there are pending issues, they will approach Police for another separate meeting permit for the senior padres to finalise the pending issues.

The current permit states that the conference should only be strictly conducted within three days and should not go further beyond this period.

“We have been loyal to our commitment and agreement to the conditions stated in the permit," said Nawadra.

By Ropate Valemei