Bainimarama also raises issue of domestic violence with Viwa islanders

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had to forego drinking the first bowl of kava during a yaqona ceremony at the island of Viwa yesterday to honour a traditional 100-night taboo for his elder brother, the late Ratu Meli Bainimarama.

The first bowl of grog was then given to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tuitubou

As part of the taboo, he will also refrain from shaving for 100 nights.

His younger brother and Commissioner Central Meleti Bainimarama is also observing the ritual.

The taboo will be lifted after 100 nights when the traditional 100th night (vakabogidrau) ceremony will be carried out.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister took the opportunity to again remind the people of Viwa that while they were in celebration of the festive season, they should prevent domestic violence and sexual assaults.

He said he was taking every opportunity to condemn these crimes and demand that, “we as a society should refuse to tolerate such violent acts.”

The PM said the law punished these crimes severely, but they needed to create a culture that shamed anyone who even thought about abusing or assaulting their own women and children.

“People who committed these atrocities should be ashamed to show their faces in their communities and in their society,” he said.

Mr Bainmarama told the people of Viwa it was up to all of them to protect their most vulnerable groups.

“So, I call on all of you to join me in this fight to secure every Fijian woman and child, a fulfilling life that is free from violence and abuse.”

He said they must never shy away from talking about these issues in public as it was only through their public awareness and education that they would be able to eradicate this problem.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

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