“When you are a leader, you must care for the people who work under your leadership.”
This was shared by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga following visits to certain Government Departments based on Taveuni, in his first official tour of the island (23.08.23).
AG Turaga said it was important that department heads are aware of what the situation is on the ground, especially for civil servants deployed to districts, in rural and maritime areas.
He explained that because of the lack of awareness that the requests and needs of officers serving in these areas, are not prioritised.
“Officers in charge should come and visit their offices in districts, so they know first-hand what the situation is on the ground, you cannot be sitting in your offices in Suva knowing what it is like in Taveuni if you have not been to Taveuni,” AG Turaga said.
“There is the issue of transport, need for more staff etc., now when they make a budget submission next year, I am in a much better position because I am aware of what the situation is.
“We should support our staff that are working in the districts, it can be lonely, some of them are away from their families – so whatever deal we have, we should provide for them.”
He applauded the civil servants on the island for the services they continue to offer to the people.