The residents of Namara village in Ra extended a traditional and warm welcome to Ratu Josaia Niudamu, the newly appointed Assistant Minister for Justice, during his inaugural visit for a consultation meeting on Monday. This visit marked his first official engagement since assuming office just last Friday and highlighted the significance of governmental presence in the community as part of the Liwativale District consultation.

Ratu Niudamu expressed his surprise and appreciation for the heartfelt reception, stating, “I arrived for the Liwativale District consultation, and I didn’t expect to be showered with this welcome by the elders of the village.” His background as a lawyer and a chief from Ra enables him to relate well to the community he serves, emphasizing the mutual respect between him and the villagers.

Bringing over a decade of legal experience from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and his own practice, Niudamu is well-positioned to contribute to improving governance. Originally starting his political career with the FijiFirst party, he later joined the Group of 9 (G9), a coalition supporting Prime Minister Siromi Turaga’s government.

As he looks to the future, Ratu Niudamu has conveyed a commitment to assist Minister Turaga in implementing governmental frameworks leading up to the next elections, signaling a proactive approach to his new role. He has also hinted at potential political ambitions, suggesting that he may consider running for office when the timing is appropriate.

This warm welcome illustrates a strong bond between the government and the Namara community, fostering an atmosphere of optimism for positive changes under Ratu Niudamu’s leadership. His dedication to engaging with the local population reflects a hopeful outlook for governance in Fiji, where open dialogue and collaboration can lead to impactful improvements for the citizens.

In summary, Ratu Niudamu’s first official visit signifies a promising start to his tenure, highlighting community eagerness for engagement and underscoring the government’s commitment to listening and responding to the needs of its citizens as they work together toward a brighter future.