Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has urged parents to ensure their children are registered with the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) Registry ahead of the upcoming school year. During his visit to Bua on Wednesday and Thursday, he launched new BDM services at Post Fiji locations in Kubulau, Wainunu, Lekutu, and Nabouwalu.
Mr. Turaga emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in registering every child, highlighting that each child is part of a family unit. He noted that the Ministry’s shift toward decentralizing services aims to simplify the registration process for families. This strategy was initiated in response to findings that many children have not been registered, often due to neglect, lack of awareness, or financial difficulties.
The Minister articulated that registering children is vital for effective policymaking, as it allows the government to accurately gauge population numbers, age distribution, and to plan accordingly. With BDM services now accessible locally, residents of Bua no longer have to travel to Savusavu or Labasa to register their children.
This initiative not only promotes civic responsibility but also enhances governmental planning, which can lead to better resource allocation for educational and social services in the region. The availability of these services at local levels can alleviate many of the barriers parents face in ensuring their children’s rights are recognized.
In summary, Minister Turaga’s call for child registration emphasizes the importance of family responsibility and government planning, providing a more accessible means for parents to fulfill this obligation.
Leave a comment