Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the public. Addressing villagers in Nabuna, Cawa on Koro Island, Turaga emphasized the party’s role as a catalyst for positive change in the community.
Cawa district encompasses several villages, including Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. Turaga remarked, “The People’s Alliance is crucial, and despite its youth, it has delivered the change we aspired to achieve.” He highlighted that this change has provided people with the freedoms that are inherent rights protected under the 2013 Constitution.
He assured the community, “We will always listen to the people. In the lead-up to the 2022 election, a small team accompanied me to Lomaiviti, and I am grateful to the Lord for the journey.” He extended his appreciation to the Cawa district for their unwavering support for his leadership.
Turaga expressed, “Thank you to the district of Cawa for steadfastly choosing me, a representative from Kubuna-i-wai, to safeguard Lomaiviti.” He announced that the party would hold its Annual General Meeting that Friday and mentioned an upcoming visit to Koro by the Minister for Agriculture, who is focusing on the area’s fertile land. He also encouraged participation in an agriculture show scheduled for next month to support local farmers.
Criticizing the now-deregistered FijiFirst party, Turaga accused them of placing their own interests above those of the people. He stated that for 16 years, the iTaukei community had been sidelined and remarked on the notable changes perceived by civil servants.
“We are prioritizing the welfare of the people by delivering services directly to them,” he said. Turaga also mentioned ongoing investigations into the previous government, noting challenges faced in these inquiries. He revealed that of the 70 cases referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) from the Housing Authority for fund misappropriation, only one had progressed to court.
Additionally, Turaga and other ministers are under investigation by FICAC following the resignation of former acting commissioner Francis Pulewai last week. Barbara Malimali has been appointed as the new commissioner and indicated a shift in direction from her predecessor’s previous actions.