The lack of traditional leaders in villages has contributed to the rise of drug issues within these communities, as noted by iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu. He emphasized the ministry’s dedication to addressing vacant traditional titles as a means to combat this growing problem.
“Drugs have infiltrated the vanua because weaknesses in our societal structure have allowed them to spread without control,” Vasu stated. He highlighted that the Fiji Red Cross Society is also raising awareness about the urgent need to protect children from the rampant issues of drugs and HIV in the country.
Vasu acknowledged the Coalition Government’s early recognition of the significant damage drugs have caused, not just in urban areas but also within iTaukei communities. He defended the vanua against accusations of negligence, insisting that it requires an all-encompassing strategy to tackle the drug crisis effectively.
The minister explained that the ministry has taken proactive measures through the Veitarogivanua-Native and Fisheries Commission, which has begun visiting villages to fill vacant traditional roles. Typically, the commission would only visit when there were title disputes, but this new approach has been warmly received by the communities.
So far, five provinces have already benefited from this initiative. Vasu stressed the importance of demonstrating commitment to filling these traditional titles as a critical step in addressing the drug problem. He also pledged that training would soon follow to ensure traditional leaders are properly equipped to take on their roles effectively, emphasizing a hands-on approach to the crisis.