Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedicated service to the community. Speaking to the residents of Nabuna in Cawa, Koro, Mr. Turaga described the party as a vital force for change.
Cawa district comprises the villages of Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. “The People’s Alliance is crucial because, despite being relatively new, it has delivered the changes we hoped for,” Mr. Turaga stated. “This change has provided people with the freedom that God has granted each one of you, safeguarded by the 2013 Constitution.”
He emphasized the party’s commitment to listening to the public. Reflecting on the lead-up to the 2022 election, Mr. Turaga expressed his gratitude for the support received from the district of Cawa. “Thank you to the district of Cawa for standing firm in your decision to choose me, someone from Kubuna-i-wai who will defend Lomaiviti,” he remarked.
On Friday, the party is set to hold its Annual General Meeting. Mr. Turaga mentioned that next month, the Minister for Agriculture will visit Koro, appreciating the attention the region is receiving due to its fertile lands. Additionally, an agriculture show aimed at benefiting farmers is planned for next month, and he urged the community to seize these opportunities.
Mr. Turaga criticized the now-deregistered FijiFirst party, accusing it of prioritizing its own interests over those of the public. “For 16 years, the iTaukei were neglected, and civil servants have finally noticed the change they were longing for,” he said. He highlighted that the staff of the Ministry of Justice, who previously rarely left their offices, have now engaged with multiple provinces. “Our focus is on the people, which is why we are delivering services directly to them,” he added.
He also revealed that investigations into the previous government have faced challenges. “There have been 70 cases sent to FICAC from the Housing Authority regarding fund misappropriation, yet only one has reached court,” Mr. Turaga noted.
Simultaneously, Mr. Turaga and other ministers are under investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), following the resignation of former acting commissioner Francis Pulewai last week. Barbara Malimali has taken over the position and indicated that a new commissioner will approach the ongoing matters differently when questioned about continuing from Ms. Pulewai’s actions.