Fiji grapples with unfolding crisis of cyclones and COVID-19 tourism downturn, urges Australia to allow travel bubble

Days after being smashed by a second devastating cyclone, Fiji is grappling with an unfolding crisis, with roads in some areas cut, food in short supply and concerns over dirty drinking water.

And the island nation’s Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Climate Change, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, is desperate to get Australians there.

It may seem a strange request, but he insists it’s the best way to assist the country and bring employment and revenue back to Fijians.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has urged the Australian Government to “fast track” the proposed ‘Bula Bubble’ and allow tourists to visit the island nation, which has gone almost 300 days without a COVID-19 infection.

“If you say to me, you’d like to send 10,000 tourists, I’ll give you a…