A 26-year-old waitress has been charged after allegedly giving alcohol to her nearly two-year-old nephew and posting a photo of the child holding a glass of beer on social media. The incident occurred at a drinking party in a village in Tailevu, leading to her arrest by police on January 25, 2025. After being interviewed, she has been released but is now facing a charge of Giving Intoxicating or Spirituous Liquor to Children under Section 59 of the Juveniles Act 1973.
Officials have emphasized the serious legal repercussions of exposing minors to alcohol and underscored the crucial responsibility adults have in ensuring the safety of children. The woman is currently in police custody and is expected to appear before the Nausori Magistrates Court later today.
The incident has sparked serious concerns among community leaders and child protection advocates. The Fiji Police Force, alongside the Ministry for Women, Children, and Social Protection, is calling for responsible adult behavior and increased vigilance in protecting children from harmful situations like exposure to alcohol. Previous warnings have highlighted the need for adults to be protectors of minors, not sources of potential harm.
Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, expressed her grave concern about the incident, referring to it as a violation of children’s rights under the Child Protection Act 2024. She urged community members to report any questionable actions rather than perpetuating harmful content online, stressing the communal duty to protect the welfare of children.
While this alarming situation highlights ongoing challenges, it also creates a vital opportunity for community education regarding the risks associated with alcohol and the importance of responsible supervision of children. By promoting open discussions about alcohol and its dangers, families and communities can create a safer environment for children in Fiji. Transforming such distressing incidents into lessons can contribute to fostering the well-being of future generations.
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