Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the community. During his address to the residents of Nabuna in Cawa, Koro, Turaga emphasized the party’s role as a driving force for change.
Cawa district encompasses several villages, including Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. Turaga remarked, “The People’s Alliance is a significant party. Although it is relatively young, it has delivered the change we aspired to achieve.” He referred to the change as one that has granted people freedom, a freedom blessed by God and safeguarded by the 2013 Constitution.
He assured the community that their voices would always be heard, reflecting on the lead-up to the 2022 election when a small team accompanied him to Lomaiviti. He expressed gratitude towards Cawa for their unwavering support. “Thank you to the district of Cawa for standing by your choice to elect me, someone from Kubuna-i-wai, who will advocate for Lomaiviti,” he stated.
On the agenda, the party is set to hold its Annual General Meeting, and next month the Minister for Agriculture plans to visit Koro, a gesture Turaga appreciates due to the district’s fertile land. He also mentioned an upcoming agriculture show designed to benefit farmers, urging everyone to seize the opportunity.
In his remarks, Turaga criticized the now-deregistered FijiFirst party, accusing it of self-serving tendencies. “For 16 years, the iTaukei were overlooked, and civil servants have finally noticed the change they have long awaited,” he noted.
He highlighted the Ministry of Justice’s proactive approach, stating that staff who previously remained in their offices are now actively visiting various provinces to provide services directly to the people. Turaga mentioned ongoing investigations into the previous government, revealing that there have been multiple challenges, including 70 cases referred to FICAC from the Housing Authority regarding fund misuse, with only one case progressing to court.
Additionally, Turaga and other ministers are under investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) following the resignation of the former acting commissioner, Francis Pulewai. Barbara Malimali has assumed the substantive role and confirmed to Fiji Sun that there will be a new commissioner moving forward.