To address the escalating drug and HIV crisis, Lynda Tabuya, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, has advocated for the introduction of severe criminal justice measures, including the possibility of the death penalty for significant drug traffickers.
During a recent media conference, Ms. Tabuya highlighted the rehabilitation of children who have contracted HIV/AIDS from blood sharing or other means at Lautoka Hospital, as families seek assistance. The government is also working to establish Fiji’s first Child Wellbeing Centre to aid children struggling with drug addiction.
Ms. Tabuya emphasized the vulnerability of Fiji’s borders, given its role as a transit point for drug trafficking. She spoke of the need to explore implementing the death penalty in Fiji to safeguard the community. Drawing parallels to Singapore’s policies, she noted that while not all drug possession leads to capital punishment, those involved in significant trafficking operations face severe penalties.
She underscored the necessity of such measures to deter traffickers who exploit the country as a distribution hub. According to her, the rise in drug trafficking has adverse effects on both adults and children, who are becoming involved in drug-related activities.
The call for a more stringent approach stems from the need to protect those unaware of the dangers posed by drugs and the impact of drug trade on society, which, despite potential economic gains, inflicts greater harm on the community.