Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua has announced a forward-thinking budget for 2025/2026 aimed at enhancing national security and community policing in Fiji. This budget allocates increased resources to the Fiji Police Force to bolster crime prevention and improve safety across the nation.
Naivalurua expressed that safety and security form the foundation of national development, and the budget empowers both the Ministry of Policing and the Fiji Police Force to meet these goals effectively. He emphasized the necessity for strong policing and effective national security institutions to foster public confidence amid unprecedented global and domestic security challenges, including rising cyber threats and illicit drug trafficking.
In a passionate appeal, Naivalurua underscored the urgent need for a national response to the escalating drug crisis, labeling it a national emergency that requires comprehensive action. He highlighted the alarming scale of drug trafficking, referencing a significant drug bust of 4.1 tonnes of methamphetamine as indicative of the ongoing crisis.
Naivalurua called for a collective consciousness surrounding national security, urging involvement from all sectors of society—from families to churches—to combat drug abuse. He stated, “This is not just a policing issue; it demands a moral awakening,” emphasizing that every member of society must take responsibility in addressing this issue.
The government’s commitment to modernizing the Fiji Police Force has also seen discussions around the establishment of the Fiji Counter-Narcotics Bureau to serve as a proactive measure against drug threats. Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad has reassured the public of significant budget provisions aimed at countering the rising drug crisis, much in line with Naivalurua’s vision to revamp policing capabilities and community engagement.
This strategic pivot towards enhanced funding and collaborative prevention efforts marks a hopeful trajectory for Fiji’s approach to crime and public safety. The anticipated improvements in law enforcement will not only tackle issues of drug-related crime but also aim to rebuild public trust in the police force, emphasizing a collaborative future for the welfare of all Fijians. There’s an optimistic outlook that these initiatives will create a safer and more secure environment, allowing Fiji to combat crime effectively while fostering community well-being.
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