There is a worrying void in Fiji’s national anti-drug strategy, especially concerning the lack of dedicated resources and focus on the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS). FCS does acknowledge the Government’s increasing efforts against drug crimes, highlighted by the recent $2 million allocation in the 2024-2025 national budget for the Narcotics Bureau’s formation under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The FCS Commissioner, Jalesi Nakarawa, voiced his concern about the FCS being left out from the National Drug Strategy. He further elaborated that the organization is already battling a surge in drug-related crimes. This trend could escalate due to the enhanced law enforcement measures. The FCS’s existing capacity is under strain because of a lack of specified drug rehabilitation programs. Thus, it’s ill-equipped to handle the expected increase in convictions resulting from the new drug strategy and the upcoming National Narcotics Bureau.
“We applaud the Government’s dedication to tackling the drug issue, but a successful drug strategy requires a holistic approach that involves detection and prosecution, along with rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders,” said Nakarawa. “Our institutions are already at capacity, and the absence of necessary rehabilitation programs could perpetuate cycles of reoffending.”
For the national budget of 2024-2025, the FCS has been allocated $57.8m. Investment in essential areas is crucial to providing convicted drug offenders the required support to overcome addiction and reintegrate successfully into society, emphasized Nakarawa.
The FCS has identified key areas that the Government should consider. These include investing in expanding current facilities and constructing new ones to accommodate the expected increase in drug-related incarcerations. In addition, the establishment of dedicated drug rehabilitation programs within correctional facilities is imperative to tackle the underlying issue of drug addiction and to decrease recidivism rates. Training for correctional staff and additional resources are also necessary to manage and support drug offenders effectively. The FCS also recommends a partnership with health services to provide comprehensive care, including mental health support and addiction treatment.
Nakarawa ensured that the FCS remains committed to rehabilitating offenders and ensuring public safety.