Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa has urged businesses in Fiji to invest in the creation of drug rehabilitation centers to address the growing issue of drug addiction, particularly among youths. During his speech at the Sigatoka Coral Coast Festival, Mr. Nalumisa emphasized the necessity for a unified effort to tackle this pressing problem.
He outlined the Coalition Government’s initiatives to encourage investment in rehabilitation efforts, including a generous 13-year tax holiday for businesses that establish drug rehabilitation centers and provisions for duty-free importation of essential capital goods for their setup. Additionally, businesses that contribute to rehabilitation centers will be eligible for full tax deductions.
Mr. Nalumisa highlighted the importance of addressing drug addiction, which casts a long shadow over the beauty of the environment and threatens the future of the youth. The government is also contemplating the establishment of drug rehabilitation centers and is working collaboratively with non-governmental organizations to find effective solutions.
To further combat drug addiction, he announced that a Narcotics Bureau would be set up within the Ministry of Home Affairs, with a budget allocation of $2 million for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Furthermore, the government has launched the Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028, focusing on seven strategic areas: demand and supply reduction, harm reduction, legal reform, data collection, establishment of a drug court, and fostering international cooperation.
Mr. Nalumisa stressed the need for a holistic approach to addiction, particularly focusing on the involvement of youth in illegal drugs and criminal activities. With 50% of Fiji’s population under the age of 34, he noted the importance of targeted support systems to provide young people with positive opportunities. He pointed out that youth unemployment, anticipated to exceed the national average of 4.3%, exacerbates their vulnerability, making it imperative to invest in education, employment, and rehabilitation programs.
This initiative showcases a proactive approach to addressing drug addiction by combining government efforts with the support of the business community, ultimately aiming to provide hope and pathways to a better future for the youth of Fiji.
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