Dorsami Naidu, a lawyer from Nadi and a former member of the National Federation Party, has announced his role as the founder of the newly proposed political party, the Fijian Democratic Party. In a statement released under the party’s name, Naidu addressed the pressing drug crisis in Fiji, likening the situation to a pandemic that demands urgent attention from both lawmakers and the community.
Naidu, who has previously held esteemed positions such as the president of TISI Sangam (Fiji) and the Fiji Law Society, expressed his concerns regarding the drug problem. He called for stricter legal measures, advocating that parliamentarians must refuse bail to individuals charged with serious crimes, including serious drug offenses such as dealing in methamphetamine and cocaine. He believes that fast-tracking trials for such offenses could help mitigate ongoing drug-related issues.
“Our party believes that by preventing offenders from being released on bail and restricting their activities, we can effectively reduce drug operations and engage the community in rehabilitation efforts,” Naidu stated. He emphasized the need for treatment with love and tolerance for those battling addiction, highlighting a dual approach of enforcement and rehabilitation in addressing the drug crisis.
This initiative comes at a time when drug-related issues have been increasingly voiced by various political figures in Fiji. For instance, former police commissioner Ioane Naivalurua previously expressed similar sentiments, questioning the effectiveness of the government’s current efforts to combat drug trafficking and proposing the establishment of a parliamentary committee to oversee drug strategy implementation. Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua echoed these concerns, emphasizing a unified national effort to combat the drug menace.
Naidu’s establishment of the Fijian Democratic Party reflects a growing trend among political figures in Fiji to reshape the political landscape and address vital community issues as the nation heads toward upcoming elections. The emergence of new political parties can provide fresh perspectives and solutions, promoting a more responsive governance that prioritizes the needs and safety of its citizens.
There is hope that Naidu’s party, through its focus on both strict law enforcement and community rehabilitation, will contribute to more effective solutions to the drug crisis, ultimately fostering a safer and healthier Fiji.
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