A warning has been issued regarding the urgent need to prioritize children’s welfare following a recent incident involving a toddler found wandering alone. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew spoke out after two women discovered the young child along Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu and took him to a nearby police station.
ACP Chew emphasized that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate all instances of child neglect. Police appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the child’s parents or guardians, ultimately leading to a reunion after the story gained attention online.
He mentioned that in cases like these, the police will evaluate negligence, which could result in legal consequences for parents and guardians. “This is not the first such case we have encountered,” ACP Chew noted, highlighting the concern surrounding incidents involving children. In the past, parents and guardians have faced charges related to negligence in various tragic incidents, such as drownings and accidents caused by a lack of supervision.
“To prevent tragedies, supervision of children must be a priority,” he stressed, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant, as young children are naturally curious and can encounter danger in a matter of seconds.
In a related statement, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran echoed the importance of prioritizing children’s welfare. She called upon all caregivers to keep track of their children, particularly in light of a tragic event last Monday in which a one-year-old boy in Navua lost his life after being hit by a vehicle. The child had reportedly left home unnoticed.
“The issue of child protection is critical,” Kiran stated. “We recognize the challenges for parents, particularly in urban areas, but there are ways to find appropriate support to prevent neglect. Every incident is a reminder of just how precious and fragile life can be.”