The Government of Fiji has stepped up efforts to ensure services reach remote communities, delivering key public assistance directly to villagers in Matacawalevu, Nacula in the Yasawa Islands today.

Led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the multi-agency outreach programme brought together officials from the Ministry of Employment Productivity and Workplace Relations, Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Fiji Police Force.

Residents were able to access a variety of services on-site, including youth group registrations, issuance of new Joint ID Cards, co-operative business registrations, National Employment Centre enrolments, as well as HIV testing and counselling.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, said bringing services to maritime communities is critical to ensuring equal access to government support.

He stressed that geography should not be a barrier to opportunity.

Saukuru also raised concern over the increasing number of HIV cases among young people and the growing impact of drug use in villages, calling for greater awareness and collective action to protect youth and young adults.