Koro islanders no longer need to travel to Suva for birth, death and marriage certificates following the opening of a registry at the Nasau Post Office.
The Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry was launched by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga who said it was the first such agency in the maritime region, part of the ministry’s outreach to assist people in Fiji’s remote areas.
“The new BDM will allow you to print your own copies here instead of going all the way to Suva,” Mr Turaga said.
“We are concerned with the iTaukei living in remote areas who do not have access to such important documents.”
Deputy registrar general Viliame Kubunameca said people in the remote areas, such as the maritime region and the highlands, top the list of unregistered births, deaths and marriages.
He said this was because of the obvious disadvantages of their financial situation and geographic location.
Lavenia Vue, the first to have her birth certificate printed on the island, said it was a momentous occasion for her.
“Travelling to Suva is a twice-a-year thing for us here on the island because we have to save up money to do that,” Ms Vue said.
“Some of our children have yet to be registered for birth certificates, so this is a great opportunity for us.”
