Businesses in Fiji's tourist town of Nadi have called on the government to arm police with guns as soon as possible.
The Nadi Chamber of Commerce says this is the only way the recent spate of serious crime in the tourist town can be curbed.
The chamber president, Narendra Reddy, has told the Fiji Times the high crime rate and the thugs terrorizing the community are projecting a very bad image of Fiji tourism and to investors.
Mr Reddy says the government should equip police with guns and ammunition without delay.
In the last few days in Nadi, criminals have attacked and seriously injured a police officer who arrived at the scene of a crime in a hotel.
