Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging public servants to apply the law with a sense of common sense and reason. His comments come after a recent incident in Rakiraki, where an officer from the Land Transport Authority issued a $150 fine to a 60-year-old woman due to issues concerning her bus card.
The incident sparked significant backlash on social media, prompting both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Transport to address the matter publicly. In his statement, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized the importance of reasonable law enforcement, suggesting that the situation could have been diffused if the elderly woman was allowed to continue to the next station to recharge her card.
This incident shines a light on the balance between law enforcement and compassion, particularly towards vulnerable members of society. It serves as a reminder for those in authority to exercise discretion and empathy in their decision-making.
In a broader sense, this could lead to more constructive discussions about how public policies are enforced, particularly with regards to helping rather than penalizing those in need. The hope is that such incidents will encourage a culture of understanding and kindness among public servants, ensuring that common sense prevails in future interactions.
Leave a comment