Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has labeled Fiji’s drug crisis as “scary” and emphasized the need for a united approach to address the issue.
His remarks came after a meeting with eight District Advisory Councilors (DAC), where community concerns were discussed during a talanoa session over the weekend. Key topics included drainage issues, feeder road conditions, blocked culverts, informal settlements, and the growing problem of illicit drugs.
During the discussion, Professor Prasad expressed particular concern about the involvement of children in drug-related activities, describing the situation as not only alarming but deeply troubling. He urged that the responsibility of tackling the drug crisis does not rest solely with the government but also falls on parents and community members.
He assured participants of his commitment to addressing the concerns raised in the meeting and took the opportunity to discuss certain aspects of the upcoming 2024-25 National Budget. He affirmed that the Coalition Government is dedicated to supporting the community and providing necessary assistance.
Additional talanoa sessions with stakeholders and community members are anticipated in the near future.