A farmer convicted of setting fire to a sugarcane farm in Sigatoka this year because it had too much rubbish in it has been sentenced to 11 months imprisonment.
Taniela Tuivono, 30, pleaded guilty to a count of setting fire to crops and growing plants committed on August 5, 2025, at Kabisi.
The facts are that Tuivono set fire to the sugarcane farm belonging to Parmil Deo, 57. After setting the fire with a lighter, he then saw the said owner and ran away from the farm.
Despite being remorseful, the married man is not able to compensate the victim. According to Magistrate Joseph Daurewa, the aggravating factor here is the value of the sugarcane crops, which are valued at $15,000.
“While I do consider that you are a first offender, I must consider the need to send a message of deterrence not only to you but more so, to the general public that such offences that jeopardise all the hard work and sacrifices in sugarcane farming will never be condoned,” he ruled on November 10.
“Therefore, I do not see any special reason to suspend this sentence.”
