Fiji is facing a serious drug crisis that could lead the nation into despair if not addressed urgently. Women’s Minister Lynda Tabuya emphasized the need for a strong stance against large-scale drug traffickers, proposing the reintroduction of the death penalty for major drug lords. This suggestion has been met with criticism from both opposition politicians and human rights organizations.
Tabuya highlighted the significant problem of illicit drug addiction in Fiji and stressed the importance of sending a firm message to drug cartels and traffickers operating outside the country’s borders. She stated, “You are not welcome; you cannot profit at the expense of our people.”
Her commitment is clear: “We will do whatever it takes to protect our borders and our vulnerable populations, especially our children.” The Minister pointed out that the death penalty is not an uncommon practice globally, with countries such as Singapore, China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iran having it in place.
She also made comparisons to the United States, where 27 out of 51 states still enforce the death penalty for murder, despite the country’s reputation as a human rights advocate. Tabuya’s proposal, as the Minister responsible for the welfare of women and children, aims to draw attention to the severity of the drug issue and the need for effective deterrents.
As Fiji considers a review of its 2013 Constitution, she noted that while the death penalty was abolished in 1979, it was not removed from the criminal laws until 2015. Tabuya believes that to effectively combat the drug problem, which involves supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction, all options must be on the table, and laws should reflect that willingness to act decisively.