Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice, commended his political party, The People’s Alliance, for its dedication to serving the people during an address to villagers in Nabuna, Cawa, Koro. He highlighted the party’s role as a driving force for change in the region.
Cawa district encompasses various villages, including Cavaga, Tavua, Nabasovi, Kade, Nabuna, and Vatulele. Mr. Turaga emphasized the significance of The People’s Alliance, noting its relatively young presence in politics and its success in bringing about the desired changes.
“The People’s Alliance is essential because it has achieved the change we aspired to,” he stated. “This change has provided freedom to the people, a right bestowed by God and safeguarded under the 2013 Constitution.”
Mr. Turaga expressed his commitment to listening to the public, recalling a small team that accompanied him during his campaign in Lomaiviti leading up to the 2022 elections. He conveyed gratitude to the district of Cawa for their unwavering support.
“I thank the district of Cawa for choosing me, a representative from Kubuna-i-wai, who will safeguard the interests of Lomaiviti,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, he mentioned that the party is set to hold its Annual General Meeting on Friday. He also announced that next month, the Minister for Agriculture will visit Koro, emphasizing the area’s fertile lands. Additionally, he urged residents to participate in an upcoming agriculture show designed to benefit local farmers.
Mr. Turaga criticized the now-deregistered FijiFirst party for allegedly prioritizing its interests over the needs of the people, stating that for 16 years, the iTaukei community had been overlooked. He noted visible changes in the public service, with management in the Ministry of Justice engaging more with various provinces.
“We are focused on the people, which is why we are bringing services directly to them,” he asserted. He also mentioned that investigations into the previous government revealed various challenges, including 70 cases related to misuse of funds by the Housing Authority referred to FICAC, with only one case progressing to court.
In ongoing developments, Mr. Turaga and other ministers are under investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) following the resignation of former acting commissioner Francis Pulewai. Barbara Malimali has since assumed the role and stated that there would be new leadership moving forward.