Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is calling on school communities and parents to collaborate with the Government in addressing the issue of drug abuse. His remarks come after a cleanup effort at the Miss Hibiscus Festival unearthed concerning evidence of discarded syringes.
During the centennial celebration of Ratu Kadavulevu School at Albert Park in Suva yesterday, Mr. Rabuka expressed disappointment upon receiving negative feedback from his staff.
“While attending a Communion Service at Butt Street, Wesley Church, I instructed my team to conduct another check with the city cleaners. They subsequently sent me a picture showing a pile of waste that included a syringe used for intravenous drug use,” Mr. Rabuka noted.
He emphasized the importance of community solidarity in tackling the drug crisis, which he stated is impacting the youth significantly. According to Mr. Rabuka, the initiative to combat drug abuse should begin with parents, followed by schools, religious organizations, and the broader community.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, reported that there were no arrests made at the festival itself, although some arrests occurred in the Suva area and its neighborhoods.
“Used syringes were discovered in various locations within Suva; however, possession of empty and used syringes is not punishable under current laws, which requires a review and amendment,” ACP Driu explained.
He added that police efforts are concentrated on addressing liquor-related offences, theft, and drug-related incidents beyond just the festival. “We monitored not only the festival but the entirety of Suva,” he said.