The recent ATM scam involving 86-year-old Malakai Kauwale has raised significant alarm regarding the protection of elderly citizens in Fiji. This incident has prompted the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) to advocate for immediate and comprehensive structural reforms to enhance the safety and accessibility of banking services for vulnerable groups.
Vani Catanasiga, Executive Director of FCOSS, noted that while the community’s response to Kauwale’s situation has been heartening, altruism alone cannot substitute for the necessary systemic safeguards that should be in place. Catanasiga emphasized that financial inclusion must be redefined to address the unique challenges faced by the elderly and individuals with disabilities. It is crucial for banking services to be designed with these groups in mind, incorporating features such as dedicated service lanes, assisted banking options, and safer ATM accessibility.
Moreover, Catanasiga highlighted the role of government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Social Protection, in fostering genuine collaboration with banking institutions to ensure that policies translate into tangible improvements. Despite the existence of a National Ageing Policy, she expressed skepticism about its effectiveness, pointing out that while coordination meetings take place, little progress is observable in enhancing service access for the elderly.
“It’s about adapting existing services to meet the specific needs of clients, and the ministry must ensure banks are held accountable for providing those services,” Catanasiga remarked. She stressed the importance of constant monitoring at the policy level to address existing gaps.
Catanasiga also criticized the agency in charge for failing to properly consult stakeholders while tailoring services for the elderly, visually impaired, and those with mobility difficulties. She reiterated that while assistance from good Samaritans is commendable, it is not a sustainable answer without significant reform in the banking sector.
She cautioned that if banking systems do not adequately support the needs of older citizens, it raises concerns over the safety of routing pension and welfare payments through these channels. Catanasiga’s comments underscore the urgent need for Fiji to build inclusive systems that uphold the dignity, safety, and rights of its aging population, thereby reducing reliance on informal goodwill.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Ministry of Social Protection and the Association of Banks in Fiji regarding these pressing concerns have yet to yield a response. The calls for reform signal an opportunity for tangible advancements in protecting vulnerable populations within the financial landscape. Ensuring the safety and accessibility of banking services for the elderly is not just a moral imperative but a societal responsibility that can lead to a more inclusive future for all Fijians.
Leave a comment