The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, addressed a pressing issue in Fiji during his remarks at the Rotary Club Labasa’s Gala Night. He highlighted the alarming rise of drug use, particularly among children, emphasizing that this problem is as significant as climate change in terms of its impact on communities.
Mr. Tikoduadua expressed his dismay upon learning that some parents in Labasa are resorting to using their children to sell drugs, revealing a distressing pattern that was previously thought to be limited to urban areas like Suva. He underscored that the prevalence of both green and white drugs is widespread across Fiji, and their infiltration into smaller communities like Labasa signifies a worrying trend.
During his speech, Mr. Tikoduadua underscored the importance of community involvement in combating drug issues. He called for communities to take charge of the war on drugs, asserting that families—including parents, grandparents, and extended relatives—hold the primary responsibility for the wellbeing of their children. While acknowledging the government’s role in safeguarding citizen welfare, he insisted that the collective responsibility for children’s safety and security rests with their families and communities.
This call to action stresses the need for a community-led approach to address drug abuse, fostering a collaborative spirit for creating safer environments for children. It brings a glimmer of hope that through united efforts, communities can take positive steps to protect their youth from the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.
In summary, addressing the issue of drug use, particularly among children, requires a partnership between the government and local communities, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in ensuring a safer future for the younger generation. By mobilizing community resources and support, there is potential for significant progress against this significant challenge facing Fiji.
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