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The role of the civil service in providing development and options to ordinary Fijians was highlighted to Government officials stationed at Keyasi, Navosa. During a recent tour of Navosa, Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management and Meteorological Services, Hon. Inia Seruiratu reminded civil servants, that although Keyasi was remote, there was still huge untapped potential in the highlands. “There are huge potentials in this area and this is why Keyasi was chosen to be the first site for the Rural Road Show way back in 2012 for obvious reasons because of the difficulties that the people faced but let’s not focus on the difficulties, rather let’s focus on the opportunities.” Hon. Seruiratu reiterated the importance of providing options to curb the cultivation of marijuana, something which was synonymous with Keyasi, to promote alternatives to the illegal activity. “Police cannot fight marijuana alone and people here opt for marijuana because of a lack of options and that is why I stress the need to bring options to the people which is why your role as a Government official is very important – we shake and move things, we change things for the people. “The challenge that we face in this area, particularly in Keyasi is the lack of access, lack of infrastructure and lack of economic options and this is part of the reason people opted to cultivate marijuana for a long time,” said Minister Seruiratu. “Government does not want to leave anyone behind, and it is our responsibility to look at the difficulties the people face and what are the solutions to this but I want to ask, what will you do while you are here because it is difficult for the people.” Minister Seruiratu met with staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development during the tour and was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, David Kolitagane, and senior officers.