Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, has praised his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the public. During a recent address to the villagers of Nabuna in Cawa, Koro, Turaga highlighted the party’s role as a driver of change.
Cawa district, home to villages such as Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele, has been a supportive community. “The People’s Alliance is a significant party that has, despite its youth, delivered the change we have long desired,” Turaga stated. He emphasized that this change has provided people with the freedoms endowed by God and safeguarded by the 2013 Constitution.
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to listening to the needs of the populace. He recalled his visit to Lomaiviti ahead of the 2022 elections, expressing gratitude for the support he received. “Thank you to the district of Cawa for standing by your choice of me, someone from Kubuna-i-wai dedicated to protecting Lomaiviti,” he remarked.
Turaga announced that The People’s Alliance will hold its Annual General Meeting on Friday. He also mentioned that the Minister for Agriculture will be visiting Koro next month, indicating a focus on the area’s fertile land. He encouraged local farmers to participate in an upcoming agriculture show, aimed at aiding them.
In his speech, Turaga criticized the now-deregistered FijiFirst party, claiming it prioritized its interests over those of the citizens. He claimed that for 16 years, the iTaukei people were overlooked, whereas civil servants have noted a significant positive change since The People’s Alliance took office.
He pointed out that staff from the Ministry of Justice have expanded their presence across provinces, demonstrating a commitment to providing services directly to the people. Turaga also mentioned ongoing investigations into the previous government, revealing that 70 cases concerning misuse of funds from the Housing Authority had been forwarded to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), although only one case has proceeded to court.
Additionally, Turaga, along with other ministers, is reportedly under investigation by FICAC, which recently saw a leadership change following the resignation of the acting commissioner, Francis Pulewai. Barbara Malimali has since been appointed as the new commissioner and indicated that there would be a continuation from her predecessor’s actions.