Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the community. Addressing the villagers of Nabuna in Cawa, Koro, Turaga highlighted the party’s role as a driving force for change.
Cawa district encompasses several villages including Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. Turaga expressed pride in The People’s Alliance, asserting that despite its young status, the party has achieved significant changes that align with the people’s hopes and aspirations.
“The People’s Alliance is crucial because it has brought about the transformation we’ve long desired,” Turaga stated. He emphasized the importance of freedom, which he believes is a right endowed by God and safeguarded by the 2013 Constitution.
Turaga committed to continuing to listen to the public, recalling his gratitude for the support received during preparations for the 2022 elections. He thanked the Cawa district for their unwavering faith in him as a representative dedicated to protecting Lomaiviti.
He noted that the party will conduct its Annual General Meeting today and mentioned an upcoming visit by the Minister for Agriculture next month, recognizing Koro’s fertile lands. He encouraged local farmers to participate in an agriculture show aimed at supporting their endeavors.
Turaga criticized the now-deregistered FijiFirst party for allegedly prioritizing its own interests over those of the citizens, stating that for 16 years the iTaukei community had been overlooked, resulting in noticeable changes as civil servants became more proactive.
The Justice Ministry’s staff, who previously rarely ventured beyond their offices, are now visiting numerous provinces to bring services directly to the people. Turaga also spoke about ongoing investigations into the previous government’s actions, revealing that 70 cases related to the Housing Authority were referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption for fund misuse, with only one case reaching the courts.
Additionally, Turaga and several ministers are under investigation by FICAC, which recently saw its former acting commissioner Francis Pulewai resign. Barbara Malimali has now assumed the substantive role and confirmed a shift in leadership within the commission.