Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga is urging parents to ensure their children are registered at the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) Registry before the start of the new school year. During his recent visit to Bua, he launched BDM services at various locations, including the Post Fiji Shop in Kubulau, Wainunu, Lekutu, and Nabouwalu.
Mr. Turaga emphasized the importance of registration, stating, “Every child born on this earth comes from a family, a mother and a father.” He highlighted the responsibility of parents in officially registering their children.
The Ministry has shifted towards decentralizing its services to improve accessibility for families. Officials identified that many children remained unregistered due to a combination of negligence, lack of awareness, and financial barriers. By bringing these services closer to communities, the government aims to facilitate the registration process, particularly for those in remote areas.
Mr. Turaga further noted that government awareness of the population’s demographics, such as the number and age of children, is essential for informed policy-making and effective planning. With these services now available within the community, residents of Bua no longer need to travel to Savusavu or Labasa to complete the registration process.
This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens by making essential services more accessible. By encouraging parents to register their children promptly, the government is fostering a more informed society where every child’s right and identity are recognized.
In summary, the government’s push to ramp up child registration is not only about fulfilling a legal requirement but also about enhancing service delivery and ensuring better planning for future community needs.

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