23 Nov 2002

Fiji opposition leader fears for his country's future

9:35 am on 23 November 2002

Fiji's opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, says criminals have such a free hand in the country that it is in danger of becoming something worse than a banana republic.

Mr Beddoes says while criminals are free, people are locked behind burglar bars in their own homes.

He says this is the wrong way round and he wants to see a situation where people can open their doors and feel safe and secure.

Mr Beddoes says people have been too accommodating for too long and it is time for them to get angry and refuse to accept this situation.

He says people must speak out against injustices and crime must be fought on a united front with more resources given to the police.