Death Penalty for Drug Offenders Sparks Community Debate on Punishments

Tui Wailevu Ratu Sitiveni Niumataiwalu has called for the implementation of the death penalty for drug offenders, expressing concern that current punishments are insufficient to act as a deterrent to crime. He emphasized the need for the government to adopt a more stringent approach to drug-related crimes.

Ratu Sitiveni stated, “The Government needs to be much stricter. Harsher punishments need to be introduced. Some are calling for corporal punishment or even the death penalty. Otherwise, people will not stop.” He expressed that financial penalties have lost their effectiveness, indicating that the allure of profit in the drug trade outweighs monetary fines.

He also urged community members to steer clear of drug involvement, asserting that law enforcement will ultimately catch those who break the law. “My advice to anyone within the district is not to get involved in drugs. There are systems and processes in place, and authorities will eventually catch up,” he said.

Ratu Sitiveni advised that extreme measures, such as the death penalty, should only be considered for repeat offenders, cautioning against the disruption such actions could cause within families and communities. He advocated for utilizing rehabilitation facilities, like St. Giles, where professionals can provide assistance to those struggling with addiction.

Support for the call for stricter penalties has emerged from the province’s youth vice-president, Pita Saladoka, who believes that implementing the death penalty would help safeguard young people. He noted the alarming rise in drug use, particularly among teenagers, and the influence peers have on youth decisions. Saladoka stated, “We have been raising awareness in families, communities, meetings, and churches.”

Another youth, Osea Lautiki, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for harsher penalties. He remarked, “If penalties are stricter, people will be more cautious. Drugs are dangerous. They are harmful, especially to teenagers, because of the chemicals they contain.”

The collective voices advocating for stricter measures highlight a community grappling with the challenges of drug abuse and the desire for a proactive approach that ensures the safety and well-being of its youth.