Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in addressing the problem of illicit drugs in schools and communities. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Commissioner of the Central Division and representatives from nine different agencies, discussing the prevalent development needs highlighted by local District Advisory Councillors.
Prasad urged parents, educators, community leaders, religious figures, and other stakeholders to unite in the fight against drug-related issues. He instructed the District Advisory Councillors to identify schools and neighborhoods with drug access and to compile a list of these identified “red zones” to share with police and relevant agencies.
The meeting also covered various pressing topics, including school dropouts, the prevalence of violence against women, homelessness, enforcement of the minimum wage, waste management challenges, operations at the Nausori Health Centre, fertilizer subsidies, and the Natovi jetty.
Regarding the enforcement of the minimum wage, which is set at $4.50, Professor Prasad warned that businesses failing to comply would face serious repercussions. He directed the Ministry of Employment to conduct monitoring sessions with employers in the division to ensure adherence to the wage regulations.
Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a regional inter-agency coordination team to tackle the issues raised during the forum. “Regular meetings are essential to ensure that issues are systematically addressed and resolved in a timely manner by the Government,” he stated.