Communities in Fiji have been given a significant opportunity to express their concerns and influence governmental initiatives through the newly established Community Engagement Consultation meetings by the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts. These consultations enable residents to engage directly with Ministry officials, which represents a crucial development in enhancing communication between the government and the public.
Assistant Minister Shalen Kumar underscored the importance of these meetings as essential for gathering community feedback and tackling local issues. He pointed out several key projects focused on community development, such as the Community Grant Program, the preparations for the 2026 Girmit Commemoration, and the Girmit Records Digitalization Project. Kumar also mentioned plans for the creation of a Girmit Museum, the construction of Sharad Ghats, a Gas-Fired Crematorium, and an upcoming Social Cohesion Conference set for March.
Kumar emphasized that these consultations are not simply token gestures; they offer residents a genuine chance to shape policies and ensure that government initiatives meet the community’s genuine needs. The Ministry is dedicated to fostering trust and transparency through active engagement, which is vital in building robust and inclusive communities.
Set to take place across various districts, the consultations aim to encourage widespread participation. Kumar is calling on all Fijians to actively partake and share their views. This initiative marks a positive step toward a more responsive and accountable government prioritizing the voices of its citizens, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of community.