The Fiji Media Association (FMA) is set to conduct its “Meet the Public and the Press” Town Hall meetings in Tavua and Ba this week, offering Fijians an invaluable opportunity to directly engage with their leaders. Following successful gatherings in Savusavu and Labasa, these upcoming events will include open question-and-answer sessions moderated by experienced editors and journalists, ensuring constructive and equitable discussions.
The Tavua forum is scheduled for tomorrow at the Golden Event Centre, with the Ba event following on Thursday at Khatriya Hall. Both sessions will take place from 7 PM to 9 PM and are expected to feature Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka among other prominent figures.
The FMA aims to facilitate transparent dialogue by allowing both media representatives and the public to ask questions freely. For the first time, these forums will be broadcast live on major media platforms, including FBC, Fiji TV, The Fiji Sun, The Fiji Times, Mai TV, Communications Fiji Limited (Fiji Village), and Fiji Live, enabling Fijians across the nation to participate via radio, television, or online.
Preliminary consultations in these regions have highlighted key local concerns such as job creation, infrastructure, agriculture—especially regarding sugar—healthcare, education, environmental issues, and youth development. To address these matters, relevant government ministers have been invited to provide direct responses to community inquiries.
FMA President Stanley Simpson emphasizes that these town halls are crucial for reinforcing democracy in Fiji by allowing the public to engage meaningfully with their government. He asserts, “These town halls represent more than community meetings; they are opportunities to strengthen Fiji’s democracy through meaningful engagement between government and citizens.” By connecting leaders directly with Fijians outside of the capital, the FMA is promoting values such as transparency, accountability, and public trust.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of open communication. By facilitating discussions on pressing community issues, the FMA is hopeful that these town hall meetings will help revitalize public trust in governance, ensuring that Fijians feel heard and involved in shaping their future.