The Great Council of Chiefs has expressed its support for a review of the 2013 Constitution, focusing particularly on the military’s role and provisions deemed restrictive for the iTaukei community, according to The Fiji Times’ front page for Thursday, August 15.
Additionally, the future of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, is in doubt following a vote by the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) calling for immediate leadership changes.
In economic news, a report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has highlighted the need for Fiji to expand its financial capacity to better manage potential economic shocks. The ADB projects growth for Pacific economies at 3.3% in 2024 and 4.0% in 2025, emphasizing the importance of improving expenditure efficiency.
In a concerning development, police are currently investigating four serious incidents reported at a well-known school in Tailevu, including cases of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and serious assault. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed these investigations, raising urgent questions about the safety of children in educational environments.
Reports have also indicated rising drug influence among youths, with instances of students selling drugs and even using hard drugs like methamphetamine. In earlier discussions, Fiji National University academic director Matereti Sukanaivalu stressed the growing impact of narcotics on young people, highlighting the need for awareness and support systems within the education sector.
Statistics released by the Ministry of Education in 2013 showed alarming rates of drug use and sexual offences among students. Between 2009 and 2011, 72 cases of high school pregnancies, along with various incidents of drug use and sexual crimes, were documented.
As these serious incidents emerge, there are increasing concerns about the welfare of children and the current state of the educational system and communities in Fiji. Addressing these challenges will require immediate and ongoing efforts to create a safer and healthier environment for children to thrive.