Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry exchanged heated words yesterday as Mr. Chaudhry demanded that Professor Prasad account for $500,000 allocated for last year’s Girmit celebrations.
Professor Prasad accused Mr. Chaudhry of lying about the Girmit funding, stating that the funds had been approved by the Cabinet and other government ministries. In response, Mr. Chaudhry urged Professor Prasad to release the financial accounts and “let the people decide.”
This story headlines the front page of The Fiji Times for Friday, August 2.
In another story on Page 1, the government will strictly monitor the use of public funds. Appearing on The Lens@177, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad outlined the government’s plans for the new financial year and how taxpayers’ money will be allocated over the next 12 months.
You can catch Professor Prasad’s full interview on The Fiji Times’ Facebook page and YouTube channel at 7 p.m. tonight.
In more distressing news, it has been revealed that children as young as 10 years old are engaging in harmful substance abuse in Lautoka. Fiji Council of Social Services Executive Director Vani Catanasiga highlighted this issue during a workshop on Trafficking in Persons organized by the Pacific Islands News Association and The Asia Foundation this week in Suva.
Many children in the Sugar City are involved in substance abuse, placing them at high risk of being trafficked and caught in cycles of exploitation and abuse. This alarming situation poses serious concerns that require immediate attention. Questions must be asked about how this was allowed to happen and what responses are being implemented to address the problem.
Empowering children at a young age has become crucial due to these revelations. Children are highly vulnerable and often succumb to peer pressure. We must question the role of parents and guardians and those responsible for their well-being. Additionally, there are serious concerns about adults, with syringes believed to be used for drugs found almost every morning on Lautoka’s streets.
“We had an Australian volunteer who took photos of syringes on her way to work!” said Ms. Catanasiga.
She also spoke about the prevalent cultivation of marijuana in farming communities, which often involves high school dropouts. Ms. Catanasiga connected the high dropout rates to youths being pushed towards farming, with some transitioning from drug use to drug trafficking.
This situation demands urgent action, including community-based programs that educate and support children, initiatives that engage families, and policies addressing socio-economic factors contributing to these challenges. Comprehensive strategies to create awareness, empower children, and address contributing issues are essential.
The government and civil society groups must take active roles. The concerns raised should remind us of the importance of acting comprehensively to combat drug abuse and protect the youth. Ms. Catanasiga’s insights highlight an issue that requires immediate and decisive action.