Fiji’s Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya has proposed severe measures to tackle the ongoing drug and HIV crisis in the country, including the controversial suggestion of instituting the death penalty for significant drug trafficking offenses. At a press conference, Tabuya highlighted that children who have contracted HIV/AIDS through blood sharing or other means are receiving rehabilitation at Lautoka Hospital, following family requests for assistance. The government is also focused on creating Fiji’s first Child Wellbeing Centre aimed at rehabilitating children struggling with drug addiction.
In a separate development, law enforcement officials expressed concern after marijuana was discovered at a kindergarten in Kinoya, Nasinu. Additionally, a business-related article on the front page emphasized the urgent need to address skill shortages in Fiji’s construction sector. ANZ senior economist Dr. Kishti Sen noted that filling these gaps is crucial as the value of upcoming investment projects looks promising.
In other news, Fiji Council of Churches general secretary Reverend Simione Tugi urged churches to broaden their outreach efforts to better serve the community, emphasizing the importance of addressing social issues rather than deferring them solely to the government. He expressed disappointment at the limited focus of many churches and encouraged them to actively engage with those in need.
Meanwhile, the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, the largest Hindu organization, has called upon its members to dedicate 10 to 15 minutes during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations to raise awareness about drug abuse. Sabha national president Dhirendra Nand highlighted the significance of community education on drug-related dangers and the promotion of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Tugi believes that religious institutions can play a pivotal role in addressing pressing social issues, and it is encouraging to see initiatives being proposed to address challenges like drug abuse and rising HIV cases. The engagement of faith-based organizations in tackling these problems is seen as a positive step forward.