The Ministry of Justice is addressing the demands for crucial services like birth, death, marriage registrations, land titles, and company registrations in Fiji’s outer islands. Through a comprehensive outreach initiative, the ministry is making these services accessible to all Fijians.
During a recent Parliament session, Minister Siromi Turaga highlighted that these initiatives are essential to their mission of delivering services directly to communities. He emphasized the principle of “no one should be left behind,” ensuring support reaches even the most isolated areas.
In August, the Ministry collaborated with the Ministry of Education for an outreach program in Yasayasa Moala, where guidance was provided to local villages on obtaining vital documents. Officials conducted court marriages and registered multiple business and birth certificates within the week-long program.
Following this, a ministerial tour took place on Koro Island from September 10 to 13, 2024. The initiative aimed to strengthen community trust in the justice system by bringing services directly to the people. A new Births, Deaths, and Marriage Registry Office was opened at the Koro Island Post Office, providing essential services across five villages.
In a subsequent visit to Ovalau from September 25 to 29, the Minister for Justice and his team focused on engaging with local communities. They successfully registered numerous new businesses while providing guidance on official registrations and government grants.
Plans to extend outreach continue, with additional registry offices set to be established in various locations, including Gau, Nadroga/Navosa, Rotuma, Ba, and Kadavu. The Ministry is also preparing to visit Vanua Levu after the Fiji Day celebrations.
Minister Turaga acknowledged the previous government’s efforts in establishing Births, Deaths, and Marriages services in Savusavu, Nabouwalu, and Korovou. The Ministry continues to enhance accessibility by partnering with Post Fiji to expand services to 20 post offices nationwide.
To improve service delivery, the Ministry has implemented training programs for staff to foster a culture of professionalism and efficiency. Significant updates are also underway to enhance the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) system, which plays a vital role in recording ancestral lineages for iTaukei people.
Overall, these initiatives reflect the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to ensuring that all Fijians have access to essential services, reaffirming that no one should be left behind.