Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the community. Speaking to residents of Nabuna in Cawa, Koro, he highlighted the party’s role as a catalyst for transformation.
Cawa district encompasses several villages, including Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. Mr. Turaga expressed pride in The People’s Alliance, stating that despite its relatively short existence, the party has initiated the change that the people longed for. He emphasized that this change has provided citizens with the freedoms they are entitled to, as enshrined in the 2013 Constitution.
He reassured the audience that their voices would always be heard, reflecting on his journey leading up to the 2022 election and expressing gratitude for the support from the Cawa district. He acknowledged their unwavering decision to elect him as their representative from Kubuna-i-wai, vowing to protect the interests of Lomaiviti.
Mr. Turaga announced that the party would hold its Annual General Meeting on Friday, and mentioned the upcoming visit of the Minister for Agriculture to Koro, praising the focus on the region’s fertile land. He encouraged locals to participate in an agriculture show next month aimed at aiding farmers.
He also criticized the deregistered FijiFirst party for allegedly prioritizing its own agendas over the needs of the populace, stating that the iTaukei community had been overlooked for 16 years. Mr. Turaga noted that civil servants have recognized the changes they have awaited and pointed out how the Ministry of Justice has become more proactive in reaching out to various provinces.
He indicated that efforts to bring services directly to the people are a priority, while also mentioning ongoing investigations into the previous government’s actions. He revealed that 70 cases of alleged fund misuse referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) from the Housing Authority have seen only one case progress to court.
Additionally, Mr. Turaga and other ministers are currently being investigated by FICAC under the recent leadership of Barbara Malimali, who has succeeded the former acting commissioner, Francis Pulewai, who resigned last week. Malimali confirmed that there is a new commissioner in place.