Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is calling on school communities and parents to collaborate with the government in addressing the drug crisis. His appeal comes in the wake of a cleanup following the Miss Hibiscus Festival, which uncovered alarming evidence, including empty syringes.
During his speech at the centenary celebration of Ratu Kadavulevu School at Suva’s Albert Park, Mr. Rabuka expressed disappointment after receiving negative feedback from his staff regarding littering. “While attending a Communion Service at Butt Street, Wesley Church, I instructed my team to reconfirm with the city cleaners – they indeed sent me a photo showing a pile of refuse that included syringes used for intravenous drug use,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of community solidarity in tackling the drug issue, particularly how it impacts the youth. Mr. Rabuka asserted that the campaign against drugs should commence with parents and extend to schools, faith-based groups, and the broader community.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, noted that although there were no arrests made at the festival, several were carried out in Suva and its suburbs. “Used syringes were discovered in various locations throughout Suva; however, we cannot make arrests for possessing empty and used syringes because it is not classified as an offense under current laws, which need to be reexamined,” ACP Driu explained. He added that police operations primarily prioritize issues related to alcohol offenses, theft, drug-related incidents, and property crimes within the Suva area.