Rising Tide of Yaqona Theft: Taveuni’s Struggle Unveiled

The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 534 incidents of yaqona theft on Taveuni Island from October 2019 to October this year. This information was highlighted in Parliament by Prime Minister and Minister for Police, Sitiveni Rabuka, in response to a question from Group of Nine Leader, Ioane Naivalurua, regarding the increase in thefts of the yaqona plant.

Mr. Rabuka acknowledged the challenges faced by the police in addressing the rising trend of yaqona theft and noted the efforts made to contain it, including a community-based approach known as vanua. He presented the yearly statistics on yaqona thefts as follows:

– 2019: 71 cases
– 2020: 115 cases
– 2021: 111 cases
– 2022: 98 cases
– 2023: 57 cases
– January to October 2024: 82 cases

The Prime Minister indicated that there was a notable surge in thefts from 2019 to 2020, likely influenced by circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there was a decline in cases post-2020 until last year. Notably, 2024 has seen an uptick in reported incidents from the start of the year until October.

Mr. Rabuka also mentioned a collaborative effort between the police and various churches, including the Methodist Church, to combat this issue. Furthermore, he pointed out the concerning rise in thefts of green yaqona plants, emphasizing the absence of regulations governing the sale and purchase of these plants. The Fiji Police Force has proposed that all yaqona business license holders also encompass those involved in the trade of green yaqona as a part of their licensing criteria.

This situation highlights not only the challenges of law enforcement in rural communities during economic hardships but also indicates proactive steps being taken by local authorities and communities to address these losses. Strengthening collaboration with community leaders and organizations may play a crucial role in curbing these thefts, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility towards yaqona, which is an essential cultural and economic resource for many Fijians.

As Fiji continues to adapt to changing economic conditions, such collective efforts might pave the way for effective solutions and reinforce community ties.