Tomorrow is September 1st and the main question that many in the country are asking is whether we will see the end of the piracy of music audio CDs and DVD movies from tomorrow.
A major crackdown is expected to commence with the amendment to the Copyright Act coming into effect tomorrow and as we speak, today many video libraries are frantically getting rid of their DVDs and CDs through major sales.
These stock clearance sales which are currently underway are to get rid of the pirated DVDs and CDs.
But will it stop the piracy?
Fijivillage has been told that there are about 1 million pirated DVDs and music CDs in the Fiji market as at this afternoon.
It is not known whether these items will still be in the market tomorrow or will be destroyed and everyone will either turn to dealing with original DVDs and CDs, or close their shops.
We took to the streets today and spoke to a number of people buying the DVDs at various pirate outlets, taking advantage of the deals which were as cheap as 50 DVD movies for $10.00.
While some told us that the Copyright Act should be fully enforced with the pirates taken to task, others want the illegal practice to continue for their benefit.
Most of these comments you are about to hear were made by people who were carefully clutching their stock of pirated DVDs which they had just bought.
The Fiji Performing Rights Association hopes that police and relevant authorities will strictly enforce the new Copyright Amendment Decree 2009.
Association president Eremasi Tamanisau said any breach of the law should not be condoned.
Under the new copyright laws, a dealer will have to prove that the music or video DVDs are not pirated or face the penalties which include fines between $5,000 to $50,000 and 12 months imprisonment.
It will now come down to policing to ensure that the law is followed.
Solicitor General Christopher Pryde said everyone has been given enough time to get their houses in order and the law enforcement agencies would now decide on the step that should be taken from tomorrow.
The Fiji Islands Sound and Vision Entertainment Association which has a membership of about 120 video libraries with a total workforce of 300 people, said they had asked for more time to comply with the law but it has been made clear that everything comes into effect from tomorrow.
Association president Shavnil Gosai said he has already advised his members not to breach the law and pull off all the pirated DVDs and CDs from their shelves tonight.
Only time will tell on whether the pirate DVD outlets will close from tomorrow or whether the pirates will turn to trading legal products.
Stay with us as we see from tomorrow on whether the Copyright Act enacted in 1999 will finally have the effective policing and eradication of piracy in Fiji.
Will this be the end of piracy?
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