Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is calling on school communities and parents to collaborate with the Government to tackle the issue of drug use. His plea comes after a post-cleanup at the Miss Hibiscus Festival uncovered concerning evidence of used syringes.
Speaking at the centennial celebration of Ratu Kadavulevu School held at Albert Park in Suva, Mr. Rabuka expressed disappointment over the negative feedback received from his team. He recalled visiting a Communion Service at Butt Street, Wesley Church, where he instructed his staff to check with city cleaners, leading to the discovery of discarded syringes among other trash.
He emphasized the importance of community unity in addressing the drug crisis, particularly its impact on younger generations. He stated that the initiative to combat drug abuse should begin with parents, followed by schools, religious organizations, and local communities.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, reported that, although no arrests were made during the festival, law enforcement conducted several arrests in Suva and its suburbs afterward. Driu noted that while used syringes were discovered in certain areas of the city, current laws do not penalize individuals for possessing empty syringes, indicating a need for legislative reform.
“Our police operations primarily target liquor-related offenses, theft, drug issues, and property crimes, which we have effectively managed,” Driu added, affirming that their surveillance extended beyond the festival, encompassing the entirety of Suva.