Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is calling on school communities and parents to work together with the government to combat drug issues. This appeal comes after a clean-up following the Miss Hibiscus Festival uncovered concerning evidence of discarded syringes.
During an address at the 100-year anniversary celebration of Ratu Kadavulevu School at Albert Park in Suva, Rabuka expressed disappointment at the feedback received from his team regarding the festival. He recalled asking his staff to recheck with city cleaners during a Communion Service at Wesley Church, where they confirmed the presence of a pile of garbage that included an intravenous syringe.
Rabuka emphasized the importance of community unity in addressing the drug crisis, particularly its impact on young people. He stated that the effort must begin with parents and extend to schools, religious organizations, and the wider community.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, reported that while no arrests were made at the festival, police conducted several arrests in the Suva area and its suburbs. He acknowledged the discovery of used syringes in certain locations within Suva, noting that current legislation does not classify the possession of empty and used syringes as an offense, which limits their ability to take action. Driu added that police focus on a variety of crimes, including alcohol-related offenses, theft, and drug-related incidents, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the city during the event.