Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is calling on school communities and parents to work together with the Government to combat drug abuse. His appeal comes in light of disturbing findings during a cleanup at the Miss Hibiscus Festival, where empty syringes were discovered.
During his speech at the 100-year anniversary of Ratu Kadavulevu School at Albert Park in Suva, Mr. Rabuka expressed his disappointment after his staff reported negative observations from the event. He recounted that while attending a Communion Service at Wesley Church, he requested his team to investigate further with city cleaners, who subsequently sent him a photo showcasing a pile of rubbish that included used syringes.
Mr. Rabuka emphasized the critical need for communities to come together to address the drug issue, particularly as it impacts the youth. He stressed that the initiative to fight drugs must begin with parents and extend to schools, religious organizations, and local communities.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, reported that while no arrests were made at the festival, several were conducted in the Suva area and its suburbs. He noted that used syringes were found in certain locations across Suva but clarified that possession of empty and used syringes is not currently an offense under existing laws and legislation. ACP Driu mentioned that police operations are primarily focused on liquor-related offenses, theft, drug abuse, and property crimes, and they have been monitoring the entire Suva area, not just the festival.