Minister Bainivalu Blames Seruiratu for Neglecting Ra Highlands During His Tenure

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu has criticised former minister Inia Seruiratu for only now highlighting development issues in the highlands of Ra, despite having held key portfolios for nearly a decade.

In a strongly worded statement, Bainivalu pointed out that Seruiratu previously served as Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, and Disaster Management, making him directly responsible for delivering essential services to the very communities he is now speaking about.

“Why are schools still without power? Why do homes live in darkness? Why is the district mortuary still struggling to function?” Bainivalu asked, before adding, “The answer is simple: because he failed the people he was supposed to serve.”

She said that throughout his tenure, Seruiratu’s ministries had access to the necessary resources and authority to address these problems but did not deliver meaningful change.

Bainivalu also accused the former minister of engaging in a political stunt by shifting blame onto the current Coalition Government after losing the 2022 election.

“If electricity is not a ‘privilege’ but a ‘necessity,’ why did the Bainimarama/FijiFirst government leave these communities behind?” she questioned.

Bainivalu, who hails from Ra, said she witnesses the daily struggles of the people there and emphasised that true service goes beyond brief visits and social media appearances.

“He had the power for ten years, he failed, and now he wants to blame others,” she said. “That is shameful and disrespectful to the people of Ra.”