Education Ministry Demands Answers Over Music Video Featuring Minors

The production of an iTaukei music video production featuring schoolgirls allegedly without proper consent has raised concerns about the potential exploitation of children for commercial gain.

The Ministry of Education is now demanding answers, and pursuing legal action against those involved in the production. This follow concerns raised by disgruntled parents and some old scholars.

The video titled 'Euna' showed girls of Adi Cakobau School in their cheerleaders’ and school uniform in the video. The song has iTaukei love lyrics. It is produced by VT1S of VTBOP Music, a Fijian music label. The song is sung by William Osborne Wong, who has the stage name Wedger.

The video was released last Wednesday - the eve of the 2024 Coke Games.

The Ministry of Education now demands answers from those who approved the use of students, who are minors, and the school premises for the production of the video.

“There was no consent or approval taken from the principal or from the Ministry of Education,” the permanent secretary for education Selina Kuruleca said.

Ms Kuruleca said they were disappointed with the artist, and the recording agent behind the production of the content of the video.

Facebook and X was rife with comments from disgruntled parents, old scholars and social media users before the online version of the video was removed yesterday.

“We are currently pursuing legal opinion,” Ms Kuruleca did not mince her words.

In a statement yesterday, VTBOP Music said; “VTBOP Music has removed the official visualiser for VT1S- Buna from the VT1S YouTube Channel. It was made out of great concern for the comments directed at the students and our artist.

We want to clearly state that VT1S had sought and secured the relevant approvals before filming. The safety of everyone involved in the making of art at VTBOP Music is our number one priority and we stand firm in preserving these values.”

VT1S managing director Tix Korocowiri claimed they sought approval from the principal of the school for the video production.

“We did our part in seeking approval from parents and even the school head,” Mr Korocowiri said.

This masthead reached out to the school principal, Tokasa Wilson, to gather comments although the interview ended abruptly when she was asked if she was given the permission.

Repeated attempts were made afterwards to reach Ms Wilson, but unfortunately calls were engaged. An email was also sent before this edition went to press.

Fiji Performing Rights Association (FIPRA) chairman Eremasi Tamanisau Jr is expected to comment today.

Comments were also sought from the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya.

UNICEF

UNICEF’s Child protection covers prevention and response to violence, exploitation, and abuse against children, emphasising the importance of establishing child protection systems.

The Children’s Rights and Business Principles highlight the responsibility of businesses to prevent harm and actively safeguard children’s interests in all aspects of their operations.

It is important for businesses to respect and support children’s rights, as outlined in international conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Labour Organisation’s conventions on child labour.

The best interests of the child should always be a primary consideration in any actions concerning children.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj