John Jeong Choon-Sik, the president of White House Nightclub in Martintar, Nadi, recently defended the role of nightclubs during a community meeting with local police, asserting that these venues are designed for mature adults and should not be associated with negative influences on young people. This meeting comes in response to growing concerns within the community regarding the impact nightlife may have on youth.

Choon-Sik argued that rather than nightclubs, the more significant influence on children often stems from their immediate family members. He emphasized that adults model behaviors—such as drinking and using inappropriate language—that children may imitate. “The responsibility lies with parents and relatives,” he stated, highlighting the need for adults to set positive examples for younger generations.

He called for a collaborative effort between families, churches, and educational institutions to provide guidance and support for young people. Citing alarming figures from Saint Giles Hospital, which reported over 7,000 young individuals under their care this year, he urged for improved community support structures to address youth-related issues.

The nightclub president also made a strong case for the economic contributions of nightlife venues, arguing against their closure over the actions of a minority. He insisted that nightlife is an essential aspect of the local economy and suggested that penalizing it would be detrimental.

Additionally, Choon-Sik praised the police’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety within the community, commending their 24/7 operations as vital to security. This perspective, emphasizing community responsibility and collaboration, brings a hopeful outlook on addressing the challenges faced by today’s youth.

Through collective efforts among families and local institutions, there is optimism for cultivating a supportive environment that nurtures young individuals, enabling them to make healthier choices and fostering their overall development amid the complexities of modern society.