Public consultations at the Lautoka Girmit Centre have highlighted the need for the proposed Counter Narcotics Bill in Fiji to address significant systemic issues if it is to be successful. Participants expressed that poor governance and weak enforcement are major obstacles in combating the growing drug crisis in the country, and they urged lawmakers to directly tackle these issues in the proposed legislation.
Former law enforcement officer Selwa Chand emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of drug use, warning that the bill would fail if it doesn’t consider these factors. He suggested that the culture of dependency on government handouts contributes to issues like greed and laziness, which could be influencing the drug problem. Chand advocated for a more strategic approach to government assistance to ensure it benefits those in true need.
Similarly, former engineer Tarochal Singh voiced his concerns over the perceived inaction of police regarding drug-related crimes in his neighborhood, stating that drug dealing is prevalent and ongoing. He recounted multiple failed attempts to report these issues, expressing frustration at the lack of change despite numerous police leadership changes.
Inspector Jemesa Lave from the Ministry of Policing recognized the criticisms, noting that limitations in current legislation often constrain police action. He assured participants that both the police and the government are actively working to close these gaps in enforcement.
The overarching sentiment from the consultations is a call for the proposed bill to be meticulously crafted and implemented, taking into consideration the concerns raised to avoid repeating past mistakes once the new legislation is enacted. The dedication of the community to engage in this dialogue reflects a hopeful pursuit of better governance and effective action against drug-related challenges in Fiji.
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