Church apologises after disabled man denied washroom access
PS calls for better disability training after church conference incident
Wednesday 26 August 2026 | 07:00
Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma conference underway at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Photo: Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
The Methodist Church in Fiji has apologised after a man living with a disability was reportedly denied access to a ground-floor washroom during its annual conference at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Church communications officer Lote Raboila said the church was investigating the incident involving Sakius Lesi Waqavakatoga, who uses crutches.
“We'd like to sincerely apologise for what happened to him. It's an unfortunate incident,” Mr Raboila said.
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“But all in all, this is our conference. We are accountable to everything that happens here,” he said.
Mr Waqavakatoga publicly shared his experience on social media after he reportedly approached ushers and asked to use the ground-floor washroom because of his disability.
He was allegedly told the facility was reserved for VIPs and was directed to a washroom on an upper level.
Mr Waqavakatoga expressed his disappointment on social media after the incident had 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.”
Permanent Secretary for Social Protection Selina Kuruleca condemned the reported incident and said people living with disabilities should be treated with dignity.
“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 called on the church to re-train 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.
Fiji Sports Council chairman Rovereto Nayacalevu confirmed that a ground-floor washroom was available for public use.
“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 in Fiji regarding the incident.
