A village in the West is taking proactive steps to address ongoing social issues within the country. The leadership of Vanua O Betoraurau Sabeto has implemented strict regulations to protect the youth in their community.
At the entrance to Sabeto Village, a prominent sign lays out clear rules, including:
– Children and students are prohibited from wandering the village after 9 PM.
– All village entrances will be secured after 10 PM.
According to village headman Josefa Naikovea, the Momo na Tui Sabeto, Ratu Viliame Mataitoga, is firmly committed to these initiatives. Naikovea expressed concern regarding the rising presence of illicit drugs, noting that needles have been discovered in five nearby villages within the Sabeto region.
“We have enacted these laws to protect our children, who are vulnerable and may be exploited by outsiders to traffick drugs,” he stated. Following the installation of the Tui Sabeto earlier this year, a meeting was held with the heads of the seven Yavusa under the Vanua o Betoraurau to discuss these regulations, which are enforced by the Tui Sabeto.
“Our objective is to ensure the safety of our children, who represent the future of our community. Our traditional leaders are dedicated to safeguarding their people,” he emphasized.
Naikovea noted that all village leaders in the Vanua O Betoraurau Sabeto are collaborating in the fight against drug abuse. Disciplinary measures will be enacted for those who fail to comply with the new regulations, and anyone found dealing in illegal drugs will face expulsion from the village.
“We have been made aware of the significance of this fight against drugs for every villager,” he added.