Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua acknowledges the significant challenges ahead in Fiji’s fight against drugs.
Tikoduadua mentions that the National Counter Narcotics Strategy should have been implemented about five years ago, but insists it’s not too late to take action.
Yesterday, Tikoduadua met members of the newly-formed Counter Narcotics Bureau, an organization he emphasizes must remain free of corruption.
When questioned about taking responsibility if the bureau’s officers become corrupt, Tikoduadua stated he holds certain accountabilities as the minister.
“I cannot be entirely without blame,” he admitted. “This is my creation. If it fails, that’s my legacy. So, I’ve got to make sure it works.”
Speaking on The Lens@177, Tikoduadua expressed similar concerns in Parliament regarding Fiji’s escalating drug crisis.
“I would say that we have a much more challenging environment now than when I had suggested the combined action of Parliament, but it’s never too late,” he stated. “It’s never too late to start anything. I think this Government at least has put something together. So, it’s never too late to start working.”
Tikoduadua also appreciated the contributions of Archbishop Peter Loy Chong and noted that his submissions were considered in the counter-narcotics strategy, which includes all faith-based organizations.
“This is one of the passions of particularly the Archbishop, to get to the root of the problem, because drugs are a social problem,” he said. “This is a national effort, which means it includes the whole of nation, not just the government. And yes, if we do not get to the root causes of why our kids are taking drugs and why they use it on the streets, then it will be very hard to solve this problem.”
For the full episode of Tikoduadua’s interview, tune into The Fiji Times’ Facebook page and YouTube channel tonight at 7pm.