The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 534 instances of yaqona plant theft on Taveuni Island from October 2019 to October 2023. Prime Minister and Minister for Police, Sitiveni Rabuka, addressed this issue during a parliamentary session in response to a query from Group of Nine (G9) Leader, Ioane Naivalurua, concerning the rise in theft incidents.
Mr. Rabuka acknowledged the challenges in explaining the incidents, stating, “There has been some thefts and probably very difficult to explain.” He mentioned the police’s efforts to curb these thefts through a community-oriented approach, particularly emphasizing collaboration with traditional leaders and local entities.
The statistics for yaqona thefts on Taveuni over the years are as follows:
– 2019: 71 cases
– 2020: 115 cases
– 2021: 111 cases
– 2022: 98 cases
– 2023: 57 cases
– January to October 2024: 82 cases
Mr. Rabuka noted a notable surge in theft incidents during 2020, which corresponded with the COVID-19 pandemic. While there was a decline from 2020 to the previous year, 2024 has already shown an uptick in cases.
He also highlighted a concerning trend involving the theft of green yaqona plants. Currently, there lacks regulation regarding the sale and purchase of these plants, prompting the Fiji Police Force to propose that all yaqona business license holders include regulations for green yaqona transactions in their operational criteria.
The collaborative efforts between the police, the Methodist Church, and other local churches reflect a communal approach to tackling this issue, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in addressing crime.
In summary, while the theft of yaqona plants has raised concerns and seen fluctuations over the years, ongoing dialogue and community partnerships indicate a proactive stance toward reducing crime in Taveuni. This could foster hope for the future as local authorities continue to explore effective strategies and regulations to protect this valuable resource and support the local economy.
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