Five crosses stand silently on the Nausori Highlands road—a solemn marker of lives lost six years ago to violence. A tragedy that should never have occurred, yet echoes of silence allow such devastation to repeat.

As the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna and his team, stood atop the highlands, overlooking the valleys below, there was a moment of stillness.

The land stretched wide, resilient, carrying the weight of both progress and sorrow. In the distance, those five crosses stood—symbols of a broken past that demand a better future.

"Standing here, seeing these five crosses, is a stark reminder that losing five lives is not just a private issue—it is a tragedy that affects entire communities," said Hon. Tunabuna. We cannot afford to treat murder as a private issue when its consequences are so devastating.

"We must confront this crisis with the same determination we bring to strengthening our agricultural sector. Just as we invest in sustainable farming, we must invest in protecting families, ensuring that no more lives are lost to violence. It is time for all of us—leaders, communities, and individuals—to take action and break the cycle."

In these highlands, farmers work tirelessly, cultivating the land to feed their families and communities.

Agriculture is about growth, resilience, and survival—but how can we truly thrive if homes remain unsafe?

Just as we invest in improving crops, irrigation, and rural infrastructure, we must invest in the safety and dignity of our people.

The government continues to support rural development, helping farmers sustain their livelihoods. But no progress matters if violence destroys what we seek to build.

It is time for real change—education, intervention, and collective responsibility to ensure that no more families are lost to domestic violence.

For a brief moment, standing in the highlands, there was silence—an acknowledgment, a promise.

"We must speak up and demand action. Let those five crosses serve as a warning—but more importantly, let them drive us toward a future where every home is safe and every voice is heard," he said.

ENDS

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