The Ministry of Justice is actively working to ensure that essential services like births, deaths, marriages, the register of titles, and the register of companies are accessible to residents of Fiji’s outer islands. Minister Siromi Turaga recently informed Parliament that these initiatives are essential to their mission of bringing these services to local communities.
The ministry is committed to the notion of “no one should be left behind,” making sure even the most isolated areas receive necessary support. This outreach includes a variety of services such as official registries and the assistance of the official receiver.
In August, the Ministry of Education joined forces with the Ministry of Justice to conduct an outreach program in Yasayasa Moala. During this event, officials provided guidance on obtaining important documents for residents of villages such as Totoya, Matuku, and Moala. The initiative resulted in four court marriages being officiated and numerous registrations, including seven late birth registrations and 27 new business registrations.
Following this outreach, a ministerial tour was organized to Koro Island from September 10 to 13. This tour aimed to bring services directly to the community, fostering trust in the justice system. A Births, Deaths, and Marriage Registry Office was established at the post office on Koro Island, and the minister, along with representatives from various government ministries, visited multiple villages to assist residents in accessing these services.
On another visit from September 25 to 29, the Minister for Justice and a team visited Ovalau to provide direct assistance and facilitate essential registrations. The initiative led to the registration of 253 new businesses, and outreach efforts will continue in other areas including Bureta, Lovoni, and Taviya.
Looking forward, a team from the Ministry of Justice is planning a visit to Vanua Levu following Fiji Day celebrations to continue their efforts in providing equitable access to services. The minister acknowledged the contributions of the previous government in enhancing the accessibility of essential services and emphasized their ongoing commitment to improving operations through staff training and the expansion of services.
Additionally, a collaboration with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs aims to enhance the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) system, which is vital for documenting ancestral lineages. The initiative seeks to ensure timely updates of records to prevent disputes related to land ownership and chief appointments, with pilot projects already underway to strengthen the VKB system.