A tragedy is likely to occur if the welfare of children is not treated as a priority. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew expressed this concern following a report about a toddler found alone on Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Two women discovered the child and took him to a nearby police station.
Commissioner Chew stated that police would explore all options to determine the reasons behind incidents of child neglect. On their official Facebook page, the police requested the public’s assistance in identifying the child’s parents or guardians. Fortunately, the toddler was reunited with his family after the post gained attention.
In addressing such cases, the police will consider the possibility of negligence, which could lead to legal charges against parents and guardians. Chew mentioned similar incidents in the past, highlighting the seriousness of neglect in child supervision.
He noted the unfortunate nature of previous cases where children have suffered accidents, such as drowning or being burned, all attributed to a lack of supervision. “A few seconds is all it takes for tragedy to occur,” he emphasized, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant with their children.
Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran also responded to the incident, urging parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s safety and be aware of their whereabouts. She cited a recent incident where a one-year-old boy died after being struck by a vehicle, stressing the importance of child protection.
Kiran acknowledged the challenges faced by parents in urban areas but emphasized the need for support systems to prevent neglect and tragic outcomes.