Fiji is grappling with a significant drug crisis that extends beyond mere law enforcement, posing serious threats to the nation’s moral, social, and spiritual foundations, as expressed by Ioane Naivalurua, the Minister for Policing and Communications. During the National Pastoral Response to Drugs workshop held in Suva, Naivalurua emphasized that the drug issue has escalated into a deep-seated crisis that endangers families, communities, and future generations.
“This is not just a law-and-order issue,” Naivalurua stated, highlighting the comprehensive impact of drugs on society. “It is a social, moral and spiritual crisis, and the cost of turning away is measured in human lives.”
The workshop, organized by the Fiji Council of Churches in collaboration with the Pacific Conference of Churches and the Ministry of Policing and Communications, aims to foster a unified national response to the drug crisis. Attendees included church leaders and representatives from various state agencies, all seeking innovative approaches to combat this pressing issue.
Naivalurua proposed a “dual-glove strategy” to address the crisis effectively. This approach merges “black gloves,” which symbolize law enforcement tactics such as border interdiction, intelligence operations, arrests, and court convictions, with “white gloves,” representing the facets of pastoral care, prevention, early intervention, and community healing.
While reaffirming the crucial role of policing in maintaining safety at borders and streets, Naivalurua acknowledged that enforcement alone cannot rectify the deeper damage being inflicted upon families and communities. “Policing cannot mend the soul of a people,” he remarked, reinforcing the need for a holistic response that involves collective community efforts and spiritual care.
This call to action signifies a hopeful shift towards a more inclusive and compassionate approach to tackling drug-related issues in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of healing and support for those affected. With collaborative efforts, there is potential for meaningful change and revitalization across communities adversely affected by this crisis.
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