Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized the significance of regional collaboration in addressing the problem of illicit drugs within schools and the broader community.
This statement came during his meeting with the Commissioner for the Central Division and nine associated agencies, where they discussed the emerging development needs identified by District Advisory Councillors in the area.
Professor Prasad urged parents, teachers, community and religious leaders, along with other stakeholders, to join forces in the fight against drug-related issues. He instructed the District Advisory Councillors in attendance to pinpoint schools and residential neighborhoods that are vulnerable to drug access, advising them to compile a list of these “red zones” for submission to law enforcement and other relevant agencies.
In addition to drug-related concerns, the meeting covered various pressing topics, including school dropout rates, instances of violence against women, the situation of street dwellers, the enforcement of the minimum wage law, waste management costs, operations at the Nausori Health Centre, and issues surrounding fertilizer subsidies and the Natovi jetty.
Regarding the enforcement of the minimum wage, which is set at $4.50, Professor Prasad warned that businesses failing to comply would face serious consequences. He directed the Ministry of Employment to implement monitoring sessions with employers in the division to ensure adherence to the wage law.
Furthermore, Professor Prasad proposed establishing a regional inter-agency coordination body to tackle the issues discussed in the forum. He stressed the importance of holding regular meetings to ensure that government responses are coordinated and timely.