The Tailevu Provincial Council is set to address the issue of excessive kava consumption as part of its long-term strategic plan. Council chairman Rusiate Tudravu highlighted that the ongoing challenge of grog drinking is a significant concern for the province.
Tudravu stated, “The excessive drinking of yaqona is a pressing issue facing the provincial council right now.” The topic will be a focal point in their discussions regarding the strategic plan.
He pointed out that Tailevu has abundant land, but the challenge lies with the youth, many of whom are heavily engaged in kava drinking. “While we cannot entirely prevent people from drinking excessively, we are advocating for healthier lifestyles and encouraging moderation in kava consumption,” Tudravu added.
He emphasized the importance of self-reliance within the community. “We cannot always depend on the government for revenue. We need to establish initiatives within our villages and tikina to support ourselves, rather than spending most of our time consuming kava.”
Tudravu’s remarks come in light of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent appeal to traditional leaders in the Tailevu province to monitor their kava intake and motivate their communities to do the same. Rabuka pointed out that kava consumption is one of the factors contributing to the rise of noncommunicable diseases in Fiji.