security situation

Hi
As I'm planning to do an medical internship (1 month) at Lautoka Hospital in July 2008, I'm looking for some advice concerning the security situation current and in general. I've never been to Fiji or similar countries, so it's hard for me to assess the travelling/ safety risks etc..and I'm not quite sure now if I should cancel the trip.
What is the situation like at the moment?
Is it a problem to stay at Lautoka (I will probably have a room in a local woman's house) and to travel (sometimes away from the tourist trodden paths, sometimes just in the middle of it all) as a young, blonde female? What should I pay attention to?

Thanks for your help.

Lautoka itself is off the tourist track, amazingly so when you consider how close it is to Nadi.
In general I would say you'll be pretty safe there though.

Like in any city in the world, roaming the backstreets alone at night would probably not be a great idea, but other than such things, you should be perfectly OK.
When in villages (or even in untouristed towns) wearing conservative dress would also be a good idea.

IMHO Fiji is safer than many Western countries.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>IMHO Fiji is safer than many Western countries<hr></blockquote>

Many?? - make that MOST western countries.

Lautoka is one of the nicest towns in Fiji, certainly a lot cleaner than Suva or Sigatoka. You should be safe enough walking around during the day, although dressing reasonably modestly may be a good idea. Just see what the local girls dress like and dress accordingly. There is very little point in walking the streets after around five o'clock as everywhere seems to close down. Don't go anywhere without a trusted friend,or without letting people know where you are going and who with. When I lived there I spent all my spare time at the Northern Club, which is a short taxi ride from the hospital. It is secure, friendly and has the best swimming pool in town. You should enjoy Lautoka - it's a nice, quiet, friendly town.

Hi
I am living in lautoka, as a volunteer, I work next to the hospital at the counselling service. I have been here for a year and will be here until the end of this year. Lautoka is lovely - relaxed, friendly, pretty etc... as the others have said, not much happens after 5pm except the northern club, but for a cultural experience its great. I love living here. don't worry about the political situation - of course things may change in the next year - all is calmer and safer than ever.... the coup has had no impact on daily security, except to improve it - though local people of course have suffered job losses and hardship. The hospital is pretty basic - but the staff are mostly very dedicated and it is the best hospital in the west by far. Volunteers and interns from overseas are very valuable to helping hospital staff up-skill and filling in the gaps in resourcing. The interim government have just cut all wages by 5% so some of the hospital staff will be really suffering from this.
and of course lautoka is close to the best islands - our nearest island is just 10 mins by boat from lautoka wharf. As a single female - just do the usual safety stuff - don't ever walk around at night on your own, avoid making conversation with the touts on the street etc
any hoo...
good luck with it !

I spent a few days in Lautoka and really liked it. Much nicer than Nadi. The Northern Club does a great value curry. There are also a couple of other places to eat that aren't too intimidating - mainly full of families actually. Have fun!