Sashi Kiran appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan

Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee Sashi Kiran says she has not spoken on behalf of the Indo-Fijian community who were victims of the coups in the country.

Kiran highlighted this during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan when former FijiFirst MP and current Opposition MP, Alvick Maharaj questioned who has given her the mandate to speak on behalf of the Indo-Fijian community and the victims with regards to the Truth and Reconciliation.

She says she is appointed by the Cabinet to help in the drafting of the Bill but for his information and the rest of the country, some of them were very actively involved in what happened in 2000.

The Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee says most of the organisations and people in power at that time, failed the people.

Kiran further says during that time, they were trying to help the families who were taken hostage and she kept mobilizing food along with the documentation to be sent to the faith-based organisations saying this community is affected, can you mobilize food.

She says they have asked submissions and whatever they have received is in the draft.

Kiran adds they have to create a structure that can enable the perpetrators or victims to come and face the Commission and engage with the communities and be able to share the truth.

I have received information that 2000 coup leader George Speight wants to be involved in the Truth and Reconciliation process, but I haven't spoken to him personally.

Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, Sashi Kiran highlighted this on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan when former FijiFirst MP and current opposition MP, Alvick Maharaj questioned her on how does she feel that Speight has been released while the person who ended the 2000 crisis, Voreqe Bainimarama is in prison.

When questioned if the communication she has received about Speight is formal, Kiran responded that some soldiers who came during the consultation said that they had met him, and he is open to this process and would like to engage at some point in time.

The Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee says his process has nothing to do with their process; it is a normal process through the President and the Mercy Commission.

She further says Speight is not pardoned, his sentence has been postponed and the former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is charged for a specific matter and also has the same provision as Speight.

Kiran says we have to create a structure that can enable the perpetrators or victims to come and face the Commission and engage with the communities and be able to share the truth.

Maharaj also asked Kiran why did the Committee opt to leave Bainimarama out of the equation knowing his involvement in the 2000 and 2006 coups and why is he still behind bars.

Kiran adds that is not their prerogative as the Committee is only involved in drafting the Bill and they have called for consultation and asked the former FijiFirst and different political parties for submissions and whatever submission have come in is included in the draft.

She adds they won’t go behind bars to ask people what they want in the peace of legislation.

When asked would Bainimarama be involved in the process, Kiran says she hopes so and adds that when the Commission is set up everyone will have the chance to participate.

The rising number of people living on the streets due to mental health challenges associated with drug abuse is alarming.

While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran says the problem continues to grow, and Saint Giles Hospital cannot accommodate the number of mental health cases reported to them.

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Kiran says some individuals living on the streets become aggressive because they are not receiving enough medication.

Kiran says Daulomani Home in Lautoka takes in people from the streets, including younger individuals.

She says these younger people have shelter where around 29 people can sleep, and they have also taken in seniors from the streets, bringing the total to another 40 to 50 people.

The Assistant Minister adds while the government is making efforts to address the issue, it requires a community-wide approach to support people, prevent drug abuse, and ensure timely access to assistance.

Neglect is one of the primary causes of suicide and attempted suicide, with many elderly people living alone and facing health issues.

This was highlighted by the Assistant Minister for Women, Children,and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan when asked about the reasons behind the increasing suicide cases among senior citizens.

Kiran says lack of family support also leads to feelings of depression.

The Assistant Minister says they have had some conversations with counseling agencies working with the Ministry, and they have revealed that anxiety and health conditions are also contributing factors.

She says there is a need for more to be done, stressing the importance of teaching children kindness and compassion.

Kiran also highlighted that with people seeking better opportunities and moving to cities or abroad, older generations are often left behind.

Kiran adds in Fiji, families moving overseas can afford aged care for their elderly relatives, but the breakdown of social structures needs to be addressed.

20 people aged 60 years and above have committed suicide between January to October this year while 3 people in the age group have attempted to commit suicide.