The residents of Fiji’s outer islands have been advocating for vital services, including births, deaths, marriages, and business registrations. In response, the Ministry of Justice is implementing an extensive outreach program to ensure these essential services are available to all Fijians.
During a recent Parliamentary session, Minister Siromi Turaga emphasized the importance of these initiatives as part of their mission to bring critical services directly to communities throughout Fiji. He stated that the outreach reflects their commitment to the principle of “no one should be left behind,” ensuring that even the most remote areas receive necessary support.
The outreach program took place in Yasayasa Moala in August, where the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice collaborated to provide guidance on obtaining vital documents. Mr. Turaga reported that officials officiated several court marriages and processed multiple registrations, including late birth and business registrations, demonstrating the positive impact of this initiative.
Following this success, a ministerial tour to Koro Island was organized from September 10 to 13, 2024. The tour aimed to strengthen community trust in the justice system and included the opening of the Births, Deaths, and Marriage Registry Office at the local Post Office. Mr. Turaga and representatives from various government ministries visited multiple villages, where residents learned about accessing services, registering businesses, and applying for grants.
In late September, Mr. Turaga and his team visited Ovalau to engage with communities, facilitating registrations for businesses and vital life events. This initiative led to the successful registration of numerous small businesses in the area.
The Ministry of Justice plans to continue its outreach efforts, with additional registry offices set to open in various locations, reflecting the ongoing commitment to reaching all Fijians.
Looking ahead, the Ministry will send a team to Vanua Levu after Fiji Day celebrations. Mr. Turaga acknowledged previous government efforts that contributed to expanding access to these vital services and highlighted the significance of investing in human capital to improve operations and service delivery.
One notable achievement is the collaboration with the iTaukei Affairs Ministry to enhance the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) system, which records ancestral lineages and family roots. This partnership aims to make government services more accessible while preserving traditional governance.
The VKB system is critical for the iTaukei people, and efforts are underway to address challenges related to timely updates of vital records, which have sometimes led to land ownership disputes. A pilot project has been initiated to review and improve the VKB system, signaling progress towards better governance and service delivery for the community.