Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad emphasized the necessity of regional collaboration to address the problem of illicit drugs in schools and communities. He made this statement during a meeting with the Commissioner Central Division and nine line agencies, where they discussed the emerging development needs highlighted by local District Advisory Councillors.
Prasad underscored the importance of parents, educators, community leaders, religious figures, and other stakeholders joining forces to combat drug-related issues. He instructed the District Advisory Councillors to pinpoint schools and neighborhoods with drug access and compile a list of these areas, referred to as red zones, to be shared with law enforcement and other relevant agencies.
The discussions also covered various pressing matters, such as school dropout rates, instances of violence against women, homelessness, the enforcement of the minimum wage, waste management costs, the operations of the Nausori Health Centre, fertilizer subsidies, and the Natovi jetty.
Regarding the minimum wage, which is set at $4.50, Prasad warned businesses that fail to comply will face serious penalties. The Ministry of Employment has been directed to carry out monitoring sessions with all employers in the division to ensure adherence to this regulation.
Additionally, Prasad proposed the establishment of a regional inter-agency coordination body to tackle the issues raised during the forum by stakeholders and line agencies. He stated, “There is a need to convene regular meetings so that issues are coordinated and addressed in a timely manner by the Government.”