Fiji’s Drug Crisis: Can Community Action Turn the Tide?

Fiji is currently grappling with a significant drug crisis, with growing concerns regarding the impact on youth. Ben Morrison, co-founder of INSPIRE Pacific, highlighted the complexity of this issue during a recent interview, emphasizing that it cannot be tackled by the Government alone. He believes community involvement is crucial, calling upon citizens to take responsibility starting from their homes.

Morrison stated, “Drugs in itself is not a new problem — we’ve always had some form of drugs. However, with methamphetamine (ice), the complexity of its effects on the human body and the ease of addiction are new challenges.” While acknowledging governmental efforts to address the crisis, he urged families to examine their own environments and recognize that the roots of drug use often begin at home.

Morrison remarked on the importance of proactive engagement from the community, suggesting that locals must focus on supporting and protecting their families. “If we all stepped up, there is a real possibility of things getting better,” he asserted, emphasizing that the real battle lies not just in combating drug use itself, but in fostering a supportive environment to deter it.

These sentiments resonate with discussions raised by Fiji’s Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, who has also expressed alarm over the rising problem of children being involved in drug trafficking—an issue he previously believed was confined to larger urban settings. Both Morrison and Tikoduadua highlight the importance of collective community responsibility for safeguarding children against the pervasive risks of drug abuse.

This current dialogue offers a hopeful perspective: If communities unite in understanding and addressing the underlying factors leading to drug use, and if families play an active role in their children’s lives, there is genuine potential for positive change. Ultimately, the situation calls for increased awareness, open discussions, and concerted efforts to foster safer environments for the youth of Fiji.