The Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, yesterday raised an important question to parliamentarians concerning parental neglect and children who were homeless.

He asked members of Parliament: “Are we going to keep raising the concern, yet what have we done to address the issue?”

It is clear from Ratu Naiqama’s tone that there needs to be a solution.

We need only to open our social media and reports of cases in the media where police would investigate elements of parental neglect in cases.

Just before the third school term began this week, two children drowned in separate incidents.

In another incident, on Tuesday, a four-month-old baby died in fire, which is believed to have started from the kitchen. Police alleged said the child was left alone in the house while the parent went to a shop nearby.

In the three tragedies, police confirmed they would investigate elements of child negligence.

Police reiterated for parents and guardians to do due diligence and be responsible.

All three tragedies beg the question: Where were the parents or guardians at these times?

These cases are becoming a norm in addition to the burgeoning number of children leaving their homes and finding solace or freedom on the streets.

Again, where are the parents or guardians?

Many have turned to drug peddling, glue sniffing and doing other unimaginable things among themselves.

Additionally, what does that tell us as a society?

Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. Photo: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji

Are campaigns not enough to instill vigilance in communities? Are the laws and punishment in place not harsh enough to send a message?

The Speaker may as well have asked: “What does it tell us as politicians, as people in power?”

Are we simply going to peak through these concerns through glass walls?

Ratu Naiqama said: “We all have a vested interest because these children are our future.

“However, if this statement is merely made and passed without collective efforts from us, the issue will persist without any hopeful resolution.”

He implored MPs to take a collective stance a sincere effort to address the issue directly, rather than sidestepping it.

It’s no longer an issue that can only be dealt with at home.

And while Government has been doing its bit, the Speaker knows too that it is not doing enough to address it.

The fact that these concerns continue to plague our society speaks volume of the lack of support system readily available and the campaigns to eliminate it.

We can go on and talk about the rise in parental neglect and streets kids until the cows come home, but if we don’t address it collectively and be more proactive rather than reactive, then the trend will continue.

How to do it? That’s exactly what Ratu Naiqama has asked. The discussions must start from home, in the community, in the church or temple and at Government level.

Concrete solutions must be formulated. Additionally, if it has to take the powers that be to introduce harsher punishment for child negligence, then so be it.

These children are our future and therefore should be listed at the top of our responsibility.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj