The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection has announced that twenty individuals have been identified as habitual beggars in Nadi town. This revelation was made during a meeting with the Nadi Chamber of Commerce, where the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of street begging was emphasized.

Minister Kiran noted that some of those identified have previously been integrated back into family settings or placed in shelters with financial support from the Ministry, yet many have returned to beg on the streets. This recurring problem has prompted the Ministry to implement more personalized case management strategies to better assist these individuals.

Local stakeholders are being urged to collaborate in providing assistance and restoring dignity to these vulnerable individuals. Additionally, the Ministry is reviewing legislation concerning child welfare and parental neglect, highlighting the distressing observation that many vulnerable family members are often abandoned in public areas.

Local business owners have voiced their concerns regarding the impact that street dwellers have on their operations, including issues of cleanliness and safety. Business leaders like Ashfaaq Khan and Marc McElrath have stressed the necessity for a coordinated response from various agencies, asserting that without timely intervention, the situation could escalate, undermining community well-being and business sustainability.

There is optimism that through continuous dialogue and partnerships among local authorities, businesses, and social services, a compassionate and effective solution can be achieved. The efforts being made to address habitual begging in Nadi town reflect a community’s commitment to not only supporting the vulnerable, but also ensuring a more harmonious environment for business and public interaction.

This proactive approach signals hope that collaboration will lead to meaningful change, fostering a community where everyone’s needs are acknowledged and addressed.