Church leaders are expressing growing concerns that village by-laws aimed at maintaining drug-free communities may have unintended consequences, particularly when individuals are expelled without adequate support. Reverend Manasa Kolivuso highlighted that while these rules are designed to protect communities, they often overlook the needs of those who are removed.
“Expelling someone from the village might seem justifiable, but the question remains: where do they go?” Reverend Kolivuso queried. He recounted the story of a young man who, when expelled from his village, found himself homeless on the streets. This situation raises significant concerns, as the exclusion of vulnerable individuals may exacerbate their problems rather than resolve them.
“Removing individuals doesn’t address the underlying issue; it often worsens it. A person expelled to the streets may fall deeper into addiction,” he warned. The emphasis, according to Kolivuso, should shift towards providing care and facilitating recovery instead of merely dispensing punishment.
He pointed out an alarming gap in the support systems available for those struggling with addiction, urging communities to propose structured assistance where those in need can find help. “Communities should look for ways to integrate support for individuals rather than abandoning them,” he said.
In a wider context, Reverend Kolivuso also shed light on the crisis surrounding rehabilitation facilities in Fiji. He cautioned that the country is ill-equipped to handle the increasing number of drug addicts, with existing centers, notably St Giles, overwhelmed and at full capacity. “St Giles was not initially intended for such high demand and is currently unable to cater to the influx,” he commented.
Kolivuso emphasized that effective rehabilitation requires both a spiritual and a professional approach, noting the need for trained experts beyond what the church can provide. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of youth awareness and education about the ramifications of drug use, emphasizing that while awareness is essential, it does not guarantee sound decision-making among individuals.
The church is committed to its youth-focused initiatives, but Kolivuso reiterated that sustainable solutions lie in establishing proper rehabilitation frameworks that can adequately support those in need across the nation. This proactive approach offers hope for addressing the drug crisis while emphasizing compassion and understanding over punishment.
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