Church apologises after disabled man denied washroom access

A Methodist Church event has come under fire after an elderly man living with a disability was reportedly denied access to a ground-floor washroom.

Permanent Secretary for Social Protection Selina Kuruleca condemned the reported incident at the Methodist Church of Fiji Conference at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, where Sakius Lesi Waqavakatoga was allegedly denied access to a ground-floor washroom.

The issue came to light after Mr Waqavakatoga, who uses crutches, publicly shared his experience on social media.

He reportedly approached ushers and asked to use the ground-floor washroom because of his disability but was allegedly told the facility was reserved for VIPs.

He was then directed to use a washroom on an upper level.

Mr Waqavakatoga expressed his disappointment at what happened, particularly because the incident occurred during a church event.

“Au sega vakadua ni vakabauta ni na yaco nai vakarau qo ena loma ni lotu,” he said, meaning: “I still cannot believe this would happen within the church community.”

Acting Permanent Secreatry for Women, Children and Social Protection, Selina Kuruleca.

Photo - Rariqi Turner

Ms Kuruleca said people living with disabilities should be treated with dignity and questioned the decision to restrict access to the ground-floor facility.

“Persons living with disabilities are part of VIP families. I do not understand what type of community criteria the Methodist Church is using when it comes to this incident,” she said.

“Using the washroom is part of who we are. What’s the problem there?” she said.

Ms Kuruleca described the incident as “very disappointing” and said the church should retrain its ushers on how to assist people living with disabilities, particularly during major events.

She confirmed the matter would be properly investigated. “The Methodist Church needs to improve its service when it comes to this,” she said.

Methodist Church of Fiji communications officer Lote Raboila apologised and said the church was investigating what had happened.

“We'd like to sincerely apologise for what happened to him. It's an unfortunate incident,” Mr Raboila said.

“But all in all, this is our conference. We are accountable to everything that happens here,” he said.

Fiji Sports Council chairman Rovereto Nayacalevu also confirmed that a ground-floor washroom was available for members of the public.

“We’re aware of the incident, and yes, there is a washroom at the ground floor for the members of the public,” Mr Nayacalevu said.

He said the Fiji Sports Council had spoken with the Methodist Church of Fiji regarding the incident.

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