Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the community. Addressing residents of Nabuna in Cawa, Koro, he described the party as a significant force for change within the region.
Cawa district encompasses the villages of Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. Mr. Turaga expressed that The People’s Alliance, despite being relatively new, has successfully initiated the changes that the community has longed for.
“The People’s Alliance is an essential party that has delivered the freedom and rights given to each of you by God and protected under the 2013 Constitution,” he stated.
He emphasized the party’s commitment to listening to the people’s needs, reflecting on his experience leading up to the 2022 election when he was accompanied by a small team to Lomaiviti and expressing gratitude for the support received from the Cawa district.
“Thank you to the district of Cawa for your unwavering decision to choose me, someone from Kubuna-i-wai who will protect Lomaiviti,” Mr. Turaga added. He also mentioned that an Annual General Meeting for the party is scheduled for Friday and acknowledged an upcoming visit from the Minister for Agriculture next month, highlighting the area’s fertile land.
Additionally, he encouraged farmers to participate in an agriculture show planned for next month, which aims to benefit local agricultural practices.
Mr. Turaga criticized the formerly active FijiFirst party, alleging that it prioritized its own interests rather than those of the public. He noted that for 16 years, the iTaukei community felt marginalized, and civil servants were now experiencing the changes they had awaited.
He further mentioned that the Ministry of Justice personnel, who largely remained office-bound in the past, have begun outreach across various provinces to provide services directly to the people.
Currently, investigations are underway regarding the previous government, as there have been numerous challenges encountered. Seventy cases concerning fund mismanagement were referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) from the Housing Authority, yet only one has proceeded to court.
In a related development, Mr. Turaga and fellow ministers are also being investigated by FICAC under the previous acting commissioner, Francis Pulewai, who recently resigned. Barbara Malimali has since assumed the role, indicating a transition in leadership within the commission.