The Fiji Media Association (FMA) is taking its town hall series further into rural Fiji, with upcoming forums in Levuka and Korovou aimed at giving communities direct access to ministers and government agencies.
Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Siromi Turaga, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu and senior politician Premila Kumar have confirmed their attendance at the upcoming town halls in Levuka and Korovou, as the FMA continues to await responses from other invited government ministers, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The Levuka Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, July 1, followed by the Korovou Town Hall on Friday, with ministers and representatives from key government agencies invited to hear concerns directly from the public.
A Zoom link will also be available for ministers or their representatives who are unable to attend in person.
FMA general secretary Stanley Simpson said the forums were designed to strengthen direct engagement between communities and decision-makers.
“What makes the FMA town halls special is the opportunity to talk to ministers directly and raise issues directly with them, especially for people in rural areas and outskirts of urban centres,” Mr Simpson said.
He said the events would be broadcast live across multiple media platforms, allowing wider public participation.
“We are extending an open invitation to the people of Ovalau on Wednesday and Korovou, Tailevu on Friday to make the most of this opportunity, to come, ask questions and be heard by the people who make decisions that affect their daily lives.”
He said the association was committed to taking the forums beyond the capital.
“We are deliberately taking these forums beyond Suva.
“Rural communities have the same concerns as urban ones, often more urgent ones. But they have fewer platforms to raise them and less access to the officials who can respond.
“The town halls close that gap.”
