CIVIL SERVANTS URGED TO LEAD DRUG-FREE AND VIOLENCE-FREE FIJI

“As civil servants, we need to set the standard and model what a drug-free and violence-free Fiji should be.”

This was the message stated by the Acting Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Civil Service Hon. Viliame Gavoka while speaking at the Civil Service Day celebration in Suva today (04:07:2025).

Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘Inspire Hope and Resilience in Combating Drugs and Violence Against Women in the Civil Service’, the Acting Prime Minister urged those stuck in the cycle of drug abuse to reach out and seek help.

“If you are experiencing domestic violence or any form of violence within your workforce, reach out to a colleague or friend if you know is experiencing these issues. Help is always available, and you are never alone.

 “You, our civil servants, day in and day out serving the nation, often working late into the night, on public holidays and weekends, and very often in unfavourable weather conditions, especially for those serving our remote communities in the hard-to-reach, interior, rural and maritime areas. I sincerely hope that the three per cent increment will be significant in assisting you to cope with the challenges in carrying out your duties as civil servants, while at the same time assist you to provide for your families.”

 APM Gavoka said the work of the civil servants was the backbone of Fiji’s functional democracy.

“Today, I thank you. I celebrate you, and I honour your sacrifice. Your commitment fuels and drives national developments, your values shape the character of our public institutions, and your work, without a doubt, is the backbone of our functional democracy,” Hon. Gavoka stated.

 “The civil service is the backbone of our nation, we are entrusted with the responsibility to serve our people to the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and fairness; however, we must also ensure that our environment is one where every individual, especially women, feels safe, respected, and empowered.

 “I expect every ministry, agency, and department to review the workplace safety protocols and actively build environments where people are heard and feel safe, supported, and respected. As civil servants, we need to set the standard and model what a drug-free and violence-free Fiji should be.”