The Malake village community in Rakiraki has expressed disappointment over misleading reports by The Fiji Times about sex trade and human trafficking in their area.
It has already been confirmed by the Police and the Maritime Authority that the front page reports were false and quotes in the papers were also misleading.
The report was published despite comments by senior police officers and others that there was no incident of a girl being forced out of the country.
Village headman Poasa Naimila said the reports have painted a bad picture about the community.
He said that Malake Island is a safe and peaceful place.
He added that they will take action against Fiji Times.
Naimila said they feel the misleading story might affect village tourism as tourists always visit the area for sightseeing.
Meanwhile, authorities who have been quoted by the newspaper last Friday and Saturday say they never said what has been reported in the paper.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has revealed that they met with the reporter in relation to the story of an 18-year-old girl who she claimed was found on a yacht near Malake Island.
In a statement Chief Executive Officer Neale Slack said the reporter, Nanise Loanakadavu has confirmed that inaccurate and unauthorized information was published.
Slack said the reporter confirmed that Fiji Times editors had incorrectly referenced her article to the incident of the Rakiraki girls who disappeared in 2005.
He said the reporter also apologized for the unauthorized quoting of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji officer.
Slack said the reporter had confirmed that the newspaper will retract the article.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Police Force has also refuted reports in relation to the story.
In a statement, police say that at no point in time did they receive a report of an 18-year-old that was found on a yacht or was in their custody.
Police say the reports are nothing more than assumptions and speculation and it is worrying to note that this was not taken into account although this was highlighted to the reporter concerned.
Police say this was again highlighted by the Deputy Divisional Commander Western when contacted by the reporter however it was once again not taken into account.
They said the article is creating unnecessary panic amongst the Rakiraki community especially women in the area.
There is no word as yet on whether any further action will be taken following the apology from the reporter.
Officials say they are still assessing all the information before taking action.
When contacted, Fiji Times Editor, Fred Wesley said he is busy at the moment and cannot take our call.
Story by: Vijay Narayan, Sofaia Koroitanoa & Nemani Gavidi
