The issue of yaqona theft in Taveuni has escalated to such levels that farmers are now hiring guards to protect their crops, even during church services on Sundays. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed the alarming situation in Parliament, outlining the organized methods employed by thieves who frequently use outboard boats and shipping networks to transport stolen yaqona from Taveuni to Vanua Levu and beyond.
Rabuka expressed his strong disapproval of these thefts, emphasizing that there is no justification for stealing someone else’s hard-earned crop, which is essential for farmers’ livelihoods. Statistics from the Fiji Police Force illustrate the gravity of the problem: over the last five years, the number of yaqona theft incidents has varied but remains troubling, with incidents recorded at 71 in 2019, peaking at 115 in 2020, and showing fluctuations thereafter, including 82 reported cases from January to October this year.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the police to tackle this issue, which involve community engagement, increased patrols, and collaboration with local authorities and churches. He mentioned that relying solely on prayer has proven ineffective, prompting a shift in strategy.
In a bid to strengthen enforcement, police are carrying out community policing visits to known offenders, profiling them and initiating awareness and empowerment programs with community crime prevention groups and village elders. Additionally, district officers have been tasked with registering all yaqona farmers, establishing a monitoring system for tracking sales and purchases.
Rabuka noted the alarming trend of thefts involving green yaqona, which is still unregulated, and stated that the police are advocating for all yaqona business license holders to include transactions involving green yaqona in their license criteria. Plans for a new community police post on the island were also mentioned, with locals naming the task force addressing these crimes the ‘KVS’ or ‘Kila Vata Squad’.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting farmers, ensuring they can cultivate and market their crops without fear of theft. The ongoing initiatives to enhance security, community involvement, and monitoring can serve as a foundation for restoring safety and order for local farmers in Taveuni.
This commitment reflects a hopeful path forward for Taveuni’s farmers, aiming for a future where they can farm with confidence and dignity. By engaging the community and strengthening local law enforcement, the government is taking proactive steps to create a safer environment for agriculture and ensure the sustainability of vital crops like yaqona.
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