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SUVA: Fiji's National Trauma Recovery Team today pleaded with
journalists not to harass family members of the hostages for stories,
and to remain patient as they were under traumatic stress as well.
The families needed time before the could openly talk to the media, said
Professor Tony Taylor.
The Fiji and New Zealand governments have set up the team to offer
psychological and medical assistance to the hostages held by gunmen in
Parliament for more than a month.
The team consists of health professionals specialising in "critical
incident stress management".
It is led by Father Makario Waqanivalu, a Fijian Catholic studying at
Columbia University in the United States.
Included in the team are Professor Taylor from New Zealand, an expert in
trauma cases, and Dr Epeli Nailatikau from the Ministry of Health's
National Trauma Recovery Team.
At a media conference today, Prof Taylor said: "Let them open their
hearts and minds when they are ready. Don't pester them."
The team is on "stand by" to attend to the hostages once they are
released, in what they refer to as a "de-briefing exercise".
"The de-briefing will take about three-hours," said Prof Taylor.
"We
will attend to their mental, physical and spiritual needs once they are
released."
"The purpose of this team is to conduct the de-briefing and stay on for
further help if needed."
The recovery team has also visited the hostages, who have been confined
to their "temporary-made prison" inside the Parliament complex since
being seized at gunpoint on May 19.
Fr Makario described the condition of the hostages as "traumatic."
"They are in a traumatic situation. They are trying to cope as much as
possible," he said.
Meanwhile, talks continue today between the interim military government
and rebel leader George Speight's group in trying to bring an end to the
political crisis.
Indications are that the hostages will be released once the decree that
will guarantee Speight and his group amnesty for their illegal takeover
of Parliament is passed by the regime, and the "make-up" of the new
civilain government in acceptable to both sides.
+++niuswire
Subject: [pasifik_nius] 2818 FIJI: 'Don't harass hostage families' plea
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 13:25:19 +1300
From: Journ12 <robie_d@usp.ac.fj>
Organization: Journalism, University of the South Pacific
To: Pasifik Nius <pasifik_nius@lists.c2o.org>
Title -- 2818 FIJI: 'Don't harass hostage families' plea
Date -- 22 June 2000
Byline -- Joe Yaya
Origin -- Pasifik Nius
Source -- USP Journalism Programme, 22/6/00
Copyright -- Fiji Times
Status -- Unabridged
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