Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is set to participate in the Fiji Media Association’s “Meet the Public and the Press” event in Tavua, marking the first Town Hall meeting for the Western Division. This significant engagement will take place today from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Golden Event Centre and will be broadcast live across major media social channels in Fiji.
Stanley Simpson, the general secretary of the Fiji Media Association (FMA), disclosed that these town hall meetings aim to cultivate and enhance a culture of democracy in Fiji. He stated that the initiative seeks to hold leaders accountable while ensuring they remain responsive to the diverse needs of citizens, particularly from regions outside the capital and major urban centers. “We are particularly focused on areas that have not had much opportunity to be heard outside of the Capital City and outside of the main urban centres,” Simpson noted.
Today’s meeting is part of a broader effort to facilitate meaningful engagement between the government and the public through media channels. The second town hall will follow tomorrow at the Kshatriya Hall in Ba, also scheduled from 7 PM to 9 PM.
This initiative comes in conjunction with other town hall forums being organized by major Fijian media entities, reflecting an ongoing commitment to encourage civic engagement and enhance transparency in governance. These forums aim to tackle pressing community concerns and allow citizens to directly address and interact with their government officials on various topics, including health, education, and infrastructure.
The backing of the FMA for these events marks a proactive approach towards strengthening the democratic process in Fiji, making it apparent that open dialogue between the government and citizens is essential for a thriving political environment. As these town hall meetings progress, they are expected to revitalize public trust and engagement in the nation’s political processes, promoting accountability and constructive dialogue in the governance framework of Fiji.