Do not touch civil servants, Acting PM Vosarogo warns

Do not touch civil servants!

This is the strong message from Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo this morning as he expressed disappointment over repeated reports of harassment faced by government workers, including nurses, doctors, and teachers.

The statement follows a recent attack on government officials, allegedly by a group of drunk youths in Vusasivo Village, Cakaudrove.

Police reported that the driver of a government vehicle was attempting to avoid a potential accident when the vehicle was allegedly attacked by the group.

Investigators found that the near accident occurred after one of the suspects, who was allegedly intoxicated, staggered onto the road, forcing the government vehicle to veer off course.

Following the incident, the youths allegedly approached the scene, physically assaulted the driver and passengers, and stole their personal belongings.

Mr Vosarogo described the act as “totally unacceptable” and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

" Civil servants come to work for you, and if this is how they are treated while bringing public service to your community, then don’t blame them if they choose not to attend to your needs and concerns,” he said.

He stressed that such behavior will not be tolerated.

“It will not be tolerated. Treat your civil servants with civility and respect.

"The incident recently reported in Vusasivo highlights reckless and indifferent behavior that has no place in our society,” he said.

“To those who took part in the stoning, assault and theft of items from injured civil servants make no mistake, the law will reach you.”

Mr Vosarogo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all civil servants while on duty.

“The public are expected to respect servants of the State who are sent to serve them. This generational courtesy must be passed down,” he said.

“With the Vusasivo case, I have been informed by the Minister for Policing that the Commissioner of Police has directed an operations team from Savusavu to conduct inquiries and make arrests.”

He added that civil servants who have concerns about their safety are encouraged to request police escorts when carrying out official assignments in the field.
“While taking services to the people is important, the safety and lives of our civil servants are paramount,” Mr Vosarogo said.

The Acting Prime Minister extended his well wishes to the injured officers, confirming that most have received medical treatment and returned home, while one remains under further care and observation.

“We wish the civil servants well in their recovery. To the one still receiving additional care we wish you a speedy recovery and all the very best,” he said.

Mr Vosarogo assured that the Government will continue to ensure safe working conditions for all public servants and warned that those responsible for acts of violence or intimidation will face the full force of the law.

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