Residents of Tavua have called for the reinstatement of corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure, believing it could help combat the growing influence of narcotics in their communities. This proposal was put forth during a public consultation on the Counter Narcotics Bill held at Tavualevu Village on February 13, where Sanivalati Nasau submitted a formal request on behalf of Nabuna Village.
Nasau articulated his position by stating, “I have a request from the village of Nabuna for corporal punishment to be permitted within schools, villages and families.” He emphasized that reintroducing corporal punishment would empower authority figures, noting that its implementation would support teachers in managing discipline more effectively.
Biu Matavou, a member of the consultation team and a consultant, responded by highlighting that this sentiment is not isolated to Tavua. He pointed out that similar opinions have emerged in various public consultations across the country. Matavou mentioned, “I believe the subcommittee for education has also been travelling around and many similar suggestions have been made to include corporal punishment in the Education Act.”
The consultation team acknowledged that corporal punishment is a sensitive subject and remains a topic of extensive debate nationwide. However, they emphasized that the discussions surrounding its potential reintroduction were specifically in the context of drug prevention efforts. Matavou stated, “Your suggestions are noted for corporal punishment to be allowed only for those found with drugs,” indicating that there may be a focus on addressing drug-related issues through such measures.
This call for a reconsideration of disciplinary tactics reflects a growing concern among communities about the impact of narcotics and a desire to seek tangible solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Leave a comment