The Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua, is advocating for a collective national response to the increasing drug challenge in Fiji, engaging with church leaders to foster collaboration. Recently, he met with Reverend Epeli Saukuru, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Lami, and Pastor Atu Vulaono, General Superintendent of the New Methodist Church, in Toorak. These meetings are part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen partnerships between the government and religious institutions, emphasizing their role in nation-building, community safety, and drug prevention initiatives.
Minister Naivalurua was joined by Livai Driu, the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Community Policing and Corporate Projects, along with the Fiji Police Force Chaplain, Reverend Joeli Mawi. The discussions aimed to improve cooperation among the government, the Fiji Police Force, and the churches in order to address strategic priorities such as combating illicit drugs, crime, and other related social issues.
Naivalurua expressed the importance of a united front against drugs, stating, “I am calling for a united fight against drugs. We need to work hard together to achieve national solidarity. Only through unity can we sustain our efforts, with communities standing together. Governments may change, but the community remains.” He emphasized the need for joint advocacy on issues such as illicit drugs and crime within church networks, targeting youth groups to drive a community-based approach to prevention and early intervention.
This proactive stance illustrates the government’s commitment to tackling pressing social issues by engaging influential community leaders and leveraging church networks for positive societal change, ultimately hoping to foster a healthier, more united nation.
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