Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, the chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, expressed optimism about the potential support from council members for establishing a drug rehabilitation center in Fiji. Although the topic was not formally discussed during their recent meeting, Ratu Viliame conveyed a belief that the chiefs would endorse any initiative that benefits the nation.
He stated, “There was no discussion on rehabilitation, but of course, chiefs would be happy to help the Government set up centers, including offering land.” This highlights the collaborative spirit among traditional leaders and government officials in addressing significant community challenges.
The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, echoed Ratu Viliame’s sentiments, emphasizing that traditional leadership support is crucial for effective rehabilitation strategies. He pointed out that the alignment of community leaders, particularly the vanua, is essential for tackling the drug epidemic that affects many communities, including the iTaukei people.
Tikoduadua remarked on the availability of land and resources within the vanua, encouraging chiefs and their communities to unite and articulate their intentions clearly in combating drug abuse. He acknowledged the unique challenges involved, especially as drugs continue to infiltrate various sectors of society.
The minister reiterated the importance of traditional structures in addressing rehabilitation efforts and pointed out that government success in this area heavily relies on active engagement from the vanua and faith-based organizations.
This initiative represents a hopeful step towards uniting leadership and resources in Fiji to tackle drug addiction, which has serious implications for community wellbeing. By empowering local leaders and fostering collaboration between traditional structures and the government, there is a strong potential for effective solutions to emerge.
In summary, the Great Council of Chiefs is open to supporting the establishment of a drug rehabilitation center, showcasing a commitment to healing and improving community health in Fiji.
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