Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the public. Addressing the villagers in Nabuna, Kawa, Turaga highlighted the party’s role as a driver of change in the community.
Cawa district encompasses several villages, including Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. “The People’s Alliance is crucial because, although still in its early stages, it has delivered the change we aspired to achieve,” Turaga remarked, emphasizing the freedom provided under the 2013 Constitution.
He reiterated the importance of listening to the citizens, reflecting on his experience during the lead-up to the 2022 election when a small team accompanied him to Lomaiviti. Expressing gratitude, he thanked the Cawa district for their unwavering support.
“Thank you to the district of Cawa for your steadfast choice of me, someone from Kubuna-i-wai, to represent and protect Lomaiviti,” he stated. He mentioned that The People’s Alliance would hold its Annual General Meeting soon and noted an upcoming visit from the Minister for Agriculture to Koro. He expressed appreciation for the minister’s focus on the area due to its fertile land.
Next month, an agricultural show aimed at assisting farmers will take place, and he encouraged the locals to seize these opportunities. Turaga criticized the now-deregistered FijiFirst party for allegedly prioritizing self-interests over the needs of the community.
“For 16 years, the iTaukei community was marginalized, and civil servants have recognized the changes they have long awaited,” he commented. He pointed out that the Ministry of Justice staff, who previously rarely ventured beyond their offices, have since visited numerous provinces.
“We are focused on the people, which is why we are delivering services directly to them,” he added, mentioning an investigation into the previous government involving significant challenges. He reported that 70 cases regarding fund misuse from the Housing Authority were referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), but only one has progressed to court.
In related news, Turaga and several other ministers are currently under investigation by FICAC, following the resignation of former acting commissioner Francis Pulewai last week. Barbara Malimali has now been appointed as the new commissioner and indicated that there would be a continuation of the actions taken under her predecessor.