Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalarua has emphasized the urgent need for a united front in addressing the escalating drug crisis in Fiji, highlighting that ignoring the issue or passing the responsibility to others is resulting in tragic consequences. He called for enhanced collaboration between government bodies and religious organizations to effectively tackle the devastating effects of drugs on families and the younger generation.
Naivalarua pointed out that the silence and denial surrounding this crisis have allowed it to penetrate deeper into communities, exacerbating the situation. He acknowledged that while arrests and drug seizures are necessary, they fall short of mending fractured families or rehabilitating lives ravaged by addiction.
“This gathering is not about control. It is about collaboration,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for the church to engage actively with the realities faced by their communities, especially the youth who are grappling with addiction and its associated social issues.
By calling on church leaders to be proactive and involved in the fight against drug abuse, Naivalarua envisions a more integrated approach that not only addresses the immediate consequences of substance abuse but also fosters hope for healing and recovery within Fiji’s communities. Together, he believes that both the government and the church can make meaningful progress in reversing the tide of drug-related harm and building a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
Leave a comment