Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hon. Professor Biman Prasad emphasized the severe impact of drug use on individuals and communities, warning that it poses a significant threat to the nation’s well-being. Speaking at the Gold N Water Carnival 2024 in Tavua, he highlighted the timely and important theme of the event, “Educating and Empowering the Wider Community to ‘Say No to Drugs.’”
Professor Prasad urged everyone to reject drugs and highlighted the need to combat violence against women and children as well. He noted that while the government has established a national strategy to address drug and narcotic issues, there will be an increased focus on strengthening the police force and other related agencies.
He appealed to the youth and those involved with drugs to make a conscious choice to avoid them, stressing that drug use not only jeopardizes their lives but also harms their families and friends, undermining the nation’s productivity, livelihood, and social and economic structure.
Referencing global experiences with drugs, particularly hard substances, he warned that countries, families, and individuals have faced destruction due to drug abuse.