A 30-year-old farmer, Taniela Tuivono, has been sentenced to 11 months in prison for deliberately setting fire to a sugarcane farm in Sigatoka, following an incident that occurred on August 5, 2025. Tuivono pleaded guilty to the charge, which resulted in extensive damage to the farm owned by Parmil Deo, 57.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Tuivono ignited the crops using a lighter and fled the scene when he was confronted by the farm owner. Although he has expressed remorse for his actions, Tuivono has not been able to provide any compensation to Deo for the substantial losses, which have been estimated at $15,000.
Magistrate Joseph Daurewa underscored the necessity of deterring such offenses, indicating that Tuivono’s actions negatively impacted the dedication and labor of the local sugarcane farming community. While acknowledging Tuivono as a first-time offender, the seriousness of his actions led to a decision against suspending the sentence. “I do not see any special reason to suspend this sentence,” Daurewa stated during the ruling on November 10.
This case highlights the serious implications of agricultural crime and underscores the necessity of safeguarding local farming efforts that are crucial to the economy and the well-being of many families in the region. The judicial system’s firm response reflects a commitment to preserving agricultural integrity and advocating for sustainable farming practices, which ultimately benefit the community as a whole.