Calls have intensified for the dismissal of Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, following her recent suggestion to impose the death penalty on traffickers of significant quantities of illicit drugs in Fiji. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has openly criticized her remarks, urging Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to terminate her position.
Chaudhry stated, “He should fire her. She should be sacked as the Minister for speaking on matters without consultation from the Cabinet or the Prime Minister. It is an important issue.” He received backing from Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube, who expressed that Tabuya’s comments indicated a lack of respect for the Prime Minister. Narube emphasized that critical issues require serious consideration and that a minister should not be making such statements without proper oversight, suggesting that the Prime Minister needs to strengthen policies and guidelines for his ministers.
In her controversial statement, Tabuya remarked that she wants the death penalty instituted in Fiji for those involved in large-scale drug trafficking, citing concerns about the nation’s vulnerable borders and the need to protect the populace.
The stance taken by Ms. Tabuya has drawn criticism from various sectors, including human rights advocates and social media commentators. The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission condemned her comments as a serious violation of human rights. Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua advocated for a more humane approach, while former FHRADC director Shaista Shameem described the death penalty as cruel. Additionally, the Fiji Law Society pointed out that the death penalty is not permissible under the 2013 Constitution.
During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged Ms. Tabuya’s misstep, asserting that she should have consulted the Cabinet prior to making her statement regarding the death penalty as a means to deter drug-related crime.
Rabuka expressed hope that the matter would be addressed in the upcoming Cabinet meeting, reinforcing that the death penalty remains illegal according to the 2013 Constitution. This incident is not the first for Tabuya, who previously faced scrutiny over allegations of drug use and an extramarital affair.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to combat Fiji’s drug issues during an event with the Fijian community in Tonga, stating, “We will know them, we will find them, and we will shut them down,” while emphasizing the necessity for collective action against drug-related crimes. He referenced action taken in Sabeto Village, where nighttime movement has been restricted to help mitigate drug abuse.