Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/30/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/29/2025 18:40
MINISTER VOSAROGO CALLS FOR UNITY IN COMBATING...
The Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, delivered a powerful and heartfelt address during the official opening of the Bose ni Yasana ko Tailevu, calling for unity and decisive action from traditional, community, and government leaders in addressing critical social challenges facing Fiji today.
Addressing HIV/AIDs and Drug Abuse
In his remarks, Hon. Vosarogo highlighted the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases in Fiji, noting that as of 2025, over 5,900 people are living with the disease, with an estimated 3,000 new cases expected before the end of the year.
He urged provincial leaders to take collective responsibility in spreading awareness and preventive education at all community levels - from bose ni tikina to bose vakoro - stating:
"If we are to save Fiji, we must lead from our homes. The future of the iTaukei people depends on our vigilance and leadership."
The Minister also addressed the growing drug abuse crisis, warning that the widespread use of illicit substances such as methamphetamine and marijuana is eroding communities and overwhelming the justice and health systems. He emphasized that St. Giles Hospital was founded as a mental health institution, not as a rehabilitation centre, and called for community-based action to support those affected.
"It takes a village to raise a child; it also takes a village to repair that child," he said.
Ending violence against women and children
Hon. Vosarogo condemned the rise in sexual violence and domestic abuse, revealing that over 28% of reported sexual offences in 2025 involved women and girls under 18.
He challenged men and community leaders to restore dignity and safety within homes, declaring:
"Even animals protect their kind - what about us as men? Let Tailevu be the province that stands tall and proud in protecting its women and children."
Defending iTaukei identity and tradition
The Minister reaffirmed government's commitment to safeguarding iTaukei culture and values, applauding the reinstatement of the Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga) as a cornerstone of national identity and indigenous leadership.
He quoted Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, reminding the gathering that the progress of the iTaukei rests upon courage and unity:
"When the captains and the kings depart, and the scene is again normal, today's ceremony will be remembered as a landmark in the forward march of the Fijian race."
Call for partnership: Vanua, Lotu and Matanitu
Hon. Vosarogo emphasized that national progress requires partnership between the Vanua, the Church, and the Government, urging Tailevu to lead the way in social development and moral renewal:
"Duavata ena veika kece - unity brings strength. When we stand together, progress follows."
Government assistance and land allocation
In closing, Minister Vosarogo announced government's continued development assistance through various ministries - including Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Women and Children, Cooperatives, and Lands and Mineral Resources - to strengthen rural livelihoods.
He further confirmed approval for the allocation of six acres of state land in Vuniiviivi to the Tailevu Provincial Office for administrative and service infrastructure, with an additional six acres returned to the Mataqali Nalagobokola as part of their land reclamation initiative.
"Tailevu has always been a province of leadership and resilience," the Minister concluded.
"Let us stand together - Da tu vata ga, vuvu na wai - for our children and for a stronger Fiji."
Addressing HIV/AIDs and Drug Abuse
In his remarks, Hon. Vosarogo highlighted the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases in Fiji, noting that as of 2025, over 5,900 people are living with the disease, with an estimated 3,000 new cases expected before the end of the year.
He urged provincial leaders to take collective responsibility in spreading awareness and preventive education at all community levels - from bose ni tikina to bose vakoro - stating:
"If we are to save Fiji, we must lead from our homes. The future of the iTaukei people depends on our vigilance and leadership."
The Minister also addressed the growing drug abuse crisis, warning that the widespread use of illicit substances such as methamphetamine and marijuana is eroding communities and overwhelming the justice and health systems. He emphasized that St. Giles Hospital was founded as a mental health institution, not as a rehabilitation centre, and called for community-based action to support those affected.
"It takes a village to raise a child; it also takes a village to repair that child," he said.
Ending violence against women and children
Hon. Vosarogo condemned the rise in sexual violence and domestic abuse, revealing that over 28% of reported sexual offences in 2025 involved women and girls under 18.
He challenged men and community leaders to restore dignity and safety within homes, declaring:
"Even animals protect their kind - what about us as men? Let Tailevu be the province that stands tall and proud in protecting its women and children."
Defending iTaukei identity and tradition
The Minister reaffirmed government's commitment to safeguarding iTaukei culture and values, applauding the reinstatement of the Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga) as a cornerstone of national identity and indigenous leadership.
He quoted Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, reminding the gathering that the progress of the iTaukei rests upon courage and unity:
"When the captains and the kings depart, and the scene is again normal, today's ceremony will be remembered as a landmark in the forward march of the Fijian race."
Call for partnership: Vanua, Lotu and Matanitu
Hon. Vosarogo emphasized that national progress requires partnership between the Vanua, the Church, and the Government, urging Tailevu to lead the way in social development and moral renewal:
"Duavata ena veika kece - unity brings strength. When we stand together, progress follows."
Government assistance and land allocation
In closing, Minister Vosarogo announced government's continued development assistance through various ministries - including Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Women and Children, Cooperatives, and Lands and Mineral Resources - to strengthen rural livelihoods.
He further confirmed approval for the allocation of six acres of state land in Vuniiviivi to the Tailevu Provincial Office for administrative and service infrastructure, with an additional six acres returned to the Mataqali Nalagobokola as part of their land reclamation initiative.
"Tailevu has always been a province of leadership and resilience," the Minister concluded.
"Let us stand together - Da tu vata ga, vuvu na wai - for our children and for a stronger Fiji."
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