The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 534 cases of yaqona plant thefts on Taveuni Island between October 2019 and October 2023. This issue was brought to light in Parliament by Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Police, Sitiveni Rabuka, while addressing a question from Group of Nine (G9) Leader, Ioane Naivalurua, regarding the rise in these thefts.
Mr. Rabuka acknowledged the challenges faced in explaining the surge in thefts, noting that police efforts to mitigate the issue have been ongoing, including community engagement through traditional governance systems known as “vanua.” The breakdown of theft incidents shows a fluctuation over the years:
– 2019: 71 cases
– 2020: 115 cases
– 2021: 111 cases
– 2022: 98 cases
– 2023: 57 cases
– January to October 2024: 82 cases
He pointed out a significant spike in thefts during 2020, attributing this increase to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the numbers dipped in the following years, the current data suggests a revival in incidents, particularly in 2024.
To address the ongoing issue, Mr. Rabuka mentioned recent collaborations between the police and various church organizations, including the Methodist Church, aimed at raising awareness and curbing theft. Additionally, he noted the rising concern over the theft of green yaqona plants, while highlighting the absence of regulations on their purchase and sale. The Fiji Police Force is proposing that all yaqona business license holders should be required to include provisions for the sale and purchase of green yaqona.
In summary, the Fiji government and police are actively seeking solutions to combat the theft of yaqona plants, a key cultural and economic asset for the country. The collaborative efforts with local communities and religious organizations symbolize a proactive approach to tackling this issue, with the hope that better regulations and community involvement will bring about positive change.
Leave a comment