To address the escalating drug and HIV crisis, Lynda Tabuya, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, has proposed implementing stringent criminal justice measures, including the controversial death penalty for drug traffickers.
During a media conference, Minister Tabuya highlighted the rehabilitation efforts at Lautoka Hospital, where children infected with HIV/AIDS through blood sharing or other means are receiving care, supported by families seeking assistance. She also announced the government’s plan to establish Fiji’s first Child Wellbeing Centre, aimed at helping children addicted to drugs.
“Given that Fiji is increasingly being used as a transit point for drugs, our borders are at risk,” Tabuya stated. She emphasized the need to explore the introduction of the death penalty as a protective measure for the population.
Comparing Fiji’s situation to that of Singapore, Tabuya noted that the latter, despite its small size and border vulnerabilities, has imposed the death penalty specifically for large-scale drug traffickers rather than for all drug possession cases.
The Minister underscored the necessity of such a measure to combat drug trafficking, saying it serves to deter those transporting drugs through Fiji, whether by air or sea. She called for a stronger defense of the nation’s borders and warned that current drug trafficking activities are detrimental to both adult and youth populations.
“Our communities are suffering because of drug traffickers, impacting vulnerable adults and children involved in the drug trade,” she added.