A $9.6 million debt owed to Post Fiji Limited by an unidentified Australian company is currently under review by the Government, as Post Fiji has requested a write-off of the debt. This information emerged from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) review report of the Audit Reports on Public Enterprises and Other Entities for the years ending in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, which was presented in Parliament on Thursday. This concerning development will be further discussed in The Sunday Times on August 11.
In other news, readers can find two pages of letters to the editor, showcasing a variety of public opinions. Additionally, The Sunday Times features a comprehensive array of regular segments including current events, international news from top agencies, and popular features like “Discovering Fiji.”
The sports section of the publication will cover the Deans Trophy competition, promising exciting highlights for readers.
In a serious note, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran reported a troubling surge in child sexual abuse cases in Fiji. In the first half of 2024 alone, there have been 324 reported cases, averaging 54 incidents per month, with rape being the most common offense against children. Kiran emphasized the need for national introspection regarding this alarming statistic, which highlights systemic failures and the urgent need for action.
Historical data shows a troubling trend in child sexual abuse cases, with 729 recorded in 2021, a rise to 1,034 in 2022, and a decrease to 844 in 2023. Kiran noted that previous studies have highlighted the online sexual exploitation of children, and the need to prioritize children’s rights in digital environments.
Furthermore, data indicates that the average age of child victims in the past six years is just two years old, and the youngest victim was only six months old, with the youngest accused being 12 years old. The statistics reveal that three out of five reported rapes involve children, with concerning birth rates among females under 18.
This pressing issue demands immediate attention and proactive measures to address the alarming realities that children face in Fiji.