Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Hon. Professor Biman Prasad has labeled drugs as a national menace that harms not just individuals but entire communities and families. He emphasized the dire consequences that could befall the country if there is no collective movement to reject drug use.
At the conclusion of the Gold N Water Carnival 2024 in Tavua, Professor Prasad highlighted the relevance of this year’s carnival theme, “Educating and Empowering the Wider Community to ‘Say No to Drugs’,” calling it both timely and crucial.
He urged, “Say no to drugs; say no to violence against our women and children.”
The Minister pointed out that while the government has implemented a national drug and narcotics strategy, there’s an increased emphasis on the role of the police force and related agencies in combating this issue.
Professor Prasad appealed directly to the youth and anyone involved with drugs in any capacity to abstain from their use. He warned that drug abuse could lead to personal destruction and detrimental impacts on families, friends, and the overall productivity and social fabric of the nation.
He concluded by admonishing that in countries across the globe affected by drug problems, particularly with hard drugs, the devastating effects have been evident in the lives of individuals and families alike.