Fiji’s battle against the escalating illicit drug trade is taking a proactive turn as traditional leaders mobilize to reclaim control over their communities. Ratu Meli Tora, a spokesman for Tui Vuda, spoke out about the dire situation, attributing the crisis to inadequate border controls and past leadership failures. “We were working with a system that was either weak or corrupt,” he stated, highlighting the involvement of some leaders in allowing the drug trade to flourish.
Now, Ratu Meli emphasizes the urgent need for traditional leaders to closely monitor their communities, calling for a detailed oversight of activities within their vanua. “It is time to micromanage,” he urged, proposing that local committees be strengthened and community discussions on the drug issue be intensified.
Education and community engagement are deemed essential in the fight against drugs, with Ratu Meli calling for collaboration between local authorities, including the police, military, and the Fiji Navy, to raise awareness about the hazards of drug involvement. The chairman of the Ba Provincial Council reinforced this notion, stressing that joint efforts are crucial for effective enforcement. “The police cannot do this alone,” he stressed, signaling the need for a unified approach to safeguard the future of the community.
Moreover, the Vanua o Vuda has announced a significant campaign against drugs, set to officially begin on February 2. Ratu Meli Tavaiqia indicated that this initiative, born out of thorough discussions with village elders, responds to growing concerns about drug-related incidents in the Western Division. A comprehensive survey of community members has already been conducted to monitor who enters and exits the villages effectively.
As part of this strategy, village authorities may establish curfews, mandating that children be indoors by 9 PM and adults by 11 PM. Additionally, late-night kava sessions might be restricted to facilitate better village security measures. “If we are going to stop marijuana or hard drugs from entering our villages, we must be vigilant,” Ratu Meli remarked.
He also recognized the evolving approach to discipline and education, advocating for a focus on protecting the younger generation and fostering stronger family units. Emphasizing the need for parents to teach their children about the realities surrounding them, Ratu Meli concluded, “We must focus on our children and raise them to respect and follow the law.”
The collective efforts of traditional leaders and community members signal a hopeful movement towards combating drug issues in Fiji, striving to safeguard the nation’s future.
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