Residents of Koro Island can now obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates locally following the inauguration of a registry at the Nasau Post Office. The registry was officially launched by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, marking the first of its kind in the maritime region as part of the government’s efforts to support citizens in Fiji’s remote areas.
“The new BDM will allow you to print your own copies here instead of traveling all the way to Suva,” Minister Turaga stated. He emphasized the government’s concern for the iTaukei population living in remote locations who have limited access to crucial documents.
Deputy registrar general Viliame Kubunameca noted that individuals in remote areas, including the maritime region and the highlands, constitute a significant portion of unregistered births, deaths, and marriages due to financial constraints and geographic challenges.
Lavenia Vue, who became the first person to print her birth certificate at the new facility, hailed the development as a significant milestone. “Traveling to Suva is something we only do twice a year because we need to save up for it,” Ms. Vue remarked. “Some of our children still don’t have birth certificates, so this is a wonderful opportunity for us.”