Yaqona theft has reached alarming levels in Taveuni, prompting farmers to hire guards to safeguard their crops—even during church services on Sundays. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed this critical issue in Parliament, revealing that the thieves operate in a well-organized manner, frequently using boats and shipping services to transport the stolen yaqona from Taveuni to Vanua Levu and beyond.
Condemning the theft as an unacceptable act, Mr. Rabuka emphasized that stealing someone else’s crops undermines the livelihoods of hardworking farmers. According to data from the Fiji Police Force, the problem has fluctuated over the years but remains severe. Over the past five years, there have been significant theft incidents—71 cases in 2019, 115 in 2020, 111 in 2021, 98 in 2022, 57 in 2023, and 82 reported from January to October this year.
Efforts to combat this issue have included enhanced police patrolling, community engagement, and partnerships with local authorities and churches. Recognizing the ineffectiveness of merely praying about the problem, Mr. Rabuka mentioned the police’s proactive approach in visiting known offenders and conducting awareness programs along with village elders.
To address accountability, district officers are registering all yaqona farmers in Taveuni, creating a tracking system to monitor the sale and purchase of crops. In cases of theft, these officers will assist the police in verifying farmers’ identities to confirm their registration. There has also been a noticeable increase in the theft of green yaqona, which remains unregulated.
In response to these challenges, the police plan to establish a new community police post on Taveuni, and the residents have affectionately named the crime-fighting task force the ‘KVS’ or ‘Kila Vata Squad.’ Mr. Rabuka assured that quick changes in police staffing would benefit farmers by ensuring their safety as they cultivate and sell their crops.
The government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural community is a hopeful sign, enabling farmers in Taveuni to pursue their livelihoods without the threat of theft looming over them. By implementing these measures, the government aims to create a safer and more secure environment for farming, which could ultimately lead to a more prosperous future for the island’s agricultural sector.
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