The Fiji Media Association (FMA) is gearing up to host its “Meet the Public and the Press” Town Hall meetings in Tavua and Ba this week, providing a significant opportunity for Fijians to engage directly with their leaders. Following the success of similar events in Savusavu and Labasa, these upcoming forums will feature open question-and-answer sessions moderated by seasoned editors and journalists, ensuring that discussions remain constructive and equitable.
The Tavua meeting is set to take place tomorrow at the Golden Event Centre, with the Ba event scheduled for Thursday at Khatriya Hall. Both meetings will run from 7 PM to 9 PM and are expected to include notable figures such as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka among other key leaders.
The FMA’s goal is to foster transparent dialogue, allowing media representatives and the public to engage in direct questioning. Notably, for the first time, these events will be broadcast live across major media platforms, including FBC, Fiji TV, The Fiji Sun, The Fiji Times, Mai TV, Communications Fiji Limited (Fiji Village), and Fiji Live. This broader accessibility will enable Fijians nationwide to participate via radio, television, or online.
Preliminary consultations in the Tavua and Ba regions have identified pressing local issues such as job creation, infrastructure development, agriculture—particularly in relation to sugar production—healthcare, education, environmental challenges, and youth development. In response to these concerns, relevant government ministers have been invited to provide direct answers to community questions.
FMA President Stanley Simpson underscores the importance of these town halls in strengthening democracy in Fiji, stating, “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 with Fijians outside the capital, the FMA promotes essential values such as transparency, accountability, and public trust.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to enhance civic engagement and cultivate a culture of open communication. The FMA is hopeful that these town hall meetings will help restore public trust in governance, ensuring that citizens feel heard and engaged in shaping their collective future. Such efforts reflect a proactive approach toward fostering a democratic environment where the voices of all Fijians are valued and taken into account.