Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, the head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, has raised concerns about the Fiji National Counter-Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028, arguing that it neglects the youth, who are among the most vulnerable groups in the context of the illegal drug trade.
In his critique, Archbishop Loy Chong pointed out that the government’s current approach to tackling the increasing number of drug busts is inadequate and does not effectively address the underlying issues related to substance abuse among young people. He expressed disappointment that, despite the Cabinet’s approval of the initial strategy in June 2024, essential topics were overlooked, particularly those that pertain to the youth demographic.
Archbishop Loy Chong remarked, “They came up with a narcotic strategy, but now they’re doing another consultation. So obviously they think that that consultation was not effective according to them.” His comments highlighted the apparent disconnect between the strategy and the actual needs of the community, particularly noting the absence of student voices in consultations meant to shape drug policy.
The Archbishop emphasized that while key areas were identified in the Counter-Narcotic Strategy Framework—such as demand reduction, supply reduction, harm reduction, legal reform, data collection, and the establishment of a drug court—there was a conspicuous lack of focus on young people who are most impacted by these issues. He stated, “If you’re not discussing the most vulnerable, then you’re missing the most important issue.”
During his participation in a consultation at Fiji National University, he observed that no students were present, further illustrating a missed opportunity to engage the very individuals most affected by the drug crisis. He urged the government to reassess and refine its strategy, calling for a more thorough social analysis and a methodology that effectively addresses the complexities of youth involvement in drug-related issues.
Archbishop Loy Chong’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the crucial need for inclusive discussions and effective strategies that consider the voices and experiences of young people, thereby fostering a more holistic approach to tackling the challenges posed by the drug trade. By prioritizing youth engagement, there is hope for developing more pertinent and impactful solutions moving forward.
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