Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the public. During a speech to the residents of Nabuna in Cawa, Koro, he emphasized that the party has played a significant role as a driver of change.
Cawa district encompasses several villages, including Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. Mr. Turaga remarked, “The People’s Alliance is a crucial party because it has introduced the change we aspired to, despite its relatively young age. This change has granted people the liberties that God has given each of you, which are protected by the 2013 Constitution.”
He assured the public that their voices will always be heard. Reflecting on the lead-up to the 2022 election, he expressed gratitude for the support he received. “Thank you to the district of Cawa for maintaining your support for me, hailing from Kubuna-i-wai, to safeguard Lomaiviti,” Mr. Turaga stated.
He announced that the party would hold its Annual General Meeting on Friday and noted that next month, the Minister for Agriculture will visit Koro to focus on its fertile land. He encouraged locals to participate in an upcoming agriculture show intended to benefit farmers.
Mr. Turaga took aim at the now-deregistered FijiFirst party for allegedly placing its interests above those of the people. He pointed out that for 16 years, the iTaukei community felt marginalized, and civil servants have observed the long-awaited changes.
He noted that the Ministry of Justice staff, who were previously rarely seen outside their offices, have now reached many provinces. “We are considering the needs of the people, which is why we are delivering services to them directly,” he explained.
Additionally, he mentioned that investigations into the previous government are ongoing, presenting challenges. “Seventy cases concerning alleged fund misuse from the Housing Authority were referred to FICAC, but only one has proceeded to court,” he revealed.
Moreover, Mr. Turaga and other ministers are currently under investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) following the resignation of former acting commissioner Francis Pulewai last week. Barbara Malimali has stepped in as the new commissioner and confirmed that she would take over the responsibilities previously handled by Ms. Pulewai.