Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, emphasized the necessity of regional collaboration in addressing the problem of illicit drugs affecting schools and communities. He made these comments during a meeting with the Commissioner for the Central Division and representatives from nine line agencies, focusing on common development challenges identified by local District Advisory Councillors.
Prasad called for a collective effort among parents, teachers, community leaders, religious figures, and other stakeholders to combat the drug issue. He urged the District Advisory Councillors to pinpoint schools and neighborhoods with drug access, recommending that they compile a list of high-risk areas to share with the police and relevant agencies.
Additionally, the meeting addressed other pressing issues, such as school dropouts, incidents of violence against women, street homelessness, implementation of the minimum wage law, waste management costs, operations at the Nausori Health Centre, fertilizer subsidies, and the Natovi jetty.
Regarding the enforcement of the minimum wage set at $4.50, Professor Prasad warned that businesses failing to comply would face serious repercussions. He instructed the Ministry of Employment to carry out monitoring sessions with employers in the division to ensure adherence.
Prasad suggested establishing a regional inter-agency coordination system to effectively address the concerns raised by various stakeholders during the forum. He stressed the importance of holding regular meetings to ensure timely government action on these issues.