Concerns over children’s safety have been raised following a recent incident where a toddler was found wandering alone on Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew addressed this matter, emphasizing that the welfare of children must be prioritized to prevent potential tragedies.
The police were alerted when two women discovered the child and took him to a nearby station. In a plea for assistance shared on their official Facebook page, authorities sought help from the public to locate the child’s parents or guardians. Fortunately, the toddler was safely reunited with his family after the post gained widespread attention.
ACP Chew indicated that the police are committed to investigating incidents of child neglect, stating that legal action could be pursued against negligent parents or guardians. He noted that this is not an isolated incident, highlighting previous cases that resulted in unfortunate outcomes, including drownings and severe injuries due to a lack of supervision.
He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, acknowledging that children can be curious and that momentary lapses in supervision can lead to tragic consequences.
In response to the situation, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran echoed the need for vigilance among caregivers. She pointed out the importance of child protection, especially in light of a recent tragic event in which a one-year-old boy died after being struck by a vehicle in Navua.
Kiran acknowledged the challenges that urban families face in finding childcare but stressed the necessity of prioritizing children’s welfare to prevent neglect and potentially fatal incidents.