Dr. Sivendra Michael Apologizes for Misunderstanding Over Human Ashes Remarks

The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael, has issued a public apology for any misunderstandings that arose from The Fiji

Times article titled "Scattering human ashes not littering," published on Saturday, February 22.

Dr. Michael clarified that his comments were misinterpreted due to what he described as "partial reporting on the issue."

He explained that the discussion originated from a Litter Prevention Officer training session for Northern civil servants, where facilitators outlined the definition of litter under the Litter Act 2008, which explicitly excludes religious offerings.

Following this session, a Fiji Times reporter inquired about concerns raised by Dreketi communities regarding bones being discarded into rivers and the sea along with ashes. The reporter also asked how the Ministry was engaging with religious organizations to address such issues.

Dr. Michael stated that while he mentioned alternative ways ashes could be handled, his comments were intended purely from an environmental standpoint and were never meant to show disrespect toward cultural practices.

“I fully understand the sensitivities around religious and cultural protocols, and I sincerely apologize if my comments were taken out of perspective without the full context,” Dr. Michael said.

He further encouraged journalists to provide more in-depth context when reporting on sensitive cultural matters to prevent misinterpretation and unnecessary public concern.