Concerns over child welfare have been raised following an incident where a toddler was found alone on Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew emphasized the need for prioritizing children’s safety after two women discovered the child and took him to a police station. The police have launched an effort to identify the child’s parents or guardians through social media, and the child has since been reunited with his family.
Commissioner Chew indicated that the police would investigate cases of child neglect thoroughly and might pursue legal action against parents or guardians found to be negligent. He noted that this was not an isolated incident, mentioning previous cases where children suffered serious harm due to a lack of supervision. He highlighted the urgency for parents to be vigilant, as children are curious and accidents can happen in an instant.
Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran echoed these sentiments, urging parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s welfare. She referenced a tragic accident from the previous week where a one-year-old boy in Navua died after allegedly being struck by a vehicle. The child had wandered onto the road unnoticed.
Kiran acknowledged the challenges faced by parents, particularly in urban areas, but stressed the importance of ensuring that children receive appropriate supervision to prevent neglect and potential tragedies.