American tourist Jill Juarez has slammed the handling of a suspected poisoning incident at Fiji’s Warwick Resort that left her and five others seriously ill after consuming a pina colada.
Juarez, who experienced severe symptoms such as numbness, heart palpitations, and temporary immobility, spent two days in Fijian hospitals but claims authorities have provided little follow-up or transparency.
Despite toxicology tests ruling out methanol poisoning, Juarez expressed frustration over the lack of personal test results and what she perceives as a dismissive response from Fijian authorities. She told news.com.au that she has since hired a lawyer and plans further medical testing in the U.S., vowing to uncover the truth about the incident.
The poisoning incident, which also hospitalized Australian tourists, has drawn global scrutiny.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka confirmed no illicit substances were found in the drink samples, and all affected individuals have been discharged from care.
However, Juarez argues that some victims continue to face significant health concerns and feels abandoned by the system.