The rampant misuse of kava in Kadavu is a matter of grave concern. Bulou Luisa Duikete, the leader of the Kadavu women’s Association, urged men to curb their consumption, highlighting its role in destabilising families.
Duikete revealed, “Most men in the village are prioritising kava over their families.” This indulgence has led to economic pressures within families, especially with funds being redirected from essential needs and cost of living to kava.
Besides outlining the financial strain, Duikete revealed that this had forced many women on the island to assume dual roles – taking care of their families as well as sourcing food.
In a response to this troubling situation, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has invoked the village chiefs to step up their responsibilities. Rabuka reminded the village chiefs, “Our efforts as a government are not enough. We need your support to help every villager.”
Insisting on a communal effort, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to preserve the future and identity of the community. The village chiefs, he stressed, are the pillars ensuring the welfare and progress of the communities, which includes managing local governance, settling disputes, and coordinating for essential services with authorities.
He further underscored that being a village chief is not merely a title but also an obligation to enhance the lives of the villagers.