Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is calling on school communities and parents to collaborate with the Government in the battle against drug abuse. His appeal comes after a post-event clean-up at the Miss Hibiscus Festival uncovered alarming evidence, including discarded syringes.
During the Ratu Kadavulevu School’s centenary celebration at Albert Park in Suva yesterday, Mr. Rabuka expressed disappointment upon receiving negative reports from his staff regarding the festival’s aftermath.
“As I attended Communion Service at Butt Street, Wesley Church, I instructed my team to reconvene with city cleaners. They confirmed my concerns, sending a photo portraying a heap of waste that featured syringes used for injecting substances,” Mr. Rabuka stated.
He emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing the drug issue, highlighting its impact on the younger population. The Prime Minister noted that the initiative should begin with parents, extending to schools, religious groups, and the wider community.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, mentioned that while no arrests were made at the festival, there were several apprehensions in the Suva area and suburbs.
“Used syringes were discovered in different locations in Suva; however, we are unable to arrest individuals for possessing empty and used syringes as it is not currently against the law – our legislation is unclear on this matter and needs reevaluation,” ACP Driu explained.
“Our police operations are concentrated on offenses related to liquor, theft, drugs, and property crimes, where we have had some success. The festival was merely one focus; we were monitoring the entire Suva area.”