The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 534 instances of yaqona plant theft on Taveuni Island from October 2019 to October 2023. This information was shared by Prime Minister and Minister for Police, Sitiveni Rabuka, during a parliamentary session where he responded to concerns raised by Group of Nine (G9) Leader, Ioane Naivalurua, regarding the surge in yaqona thefts in the region.
Rabuka pointed out that while there have been numerous thefts, explaining the causes can be challenging. He mentioned that law enforcement has been actively addressing this issue through various strategies, including community involvement, known as the vanua approach.
A breakdown of yaqona theft statistics on Taveuni shows a fluctuating pattern over the years:
– 2019: 71 cases
– 2020: 115 cases
– 2021: 111 cases
– 2022: 98 cases
– 2023: 57 cases
– January to October 2024: 82 cases
The Prime Minister noted a marked increase in thefts during 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a decrease until last year. However, he highlighted that 2024 has seen a rise in reported cases once more.
Rabuka also mentioned recent collaborations between law enforcement and the Methodist Church and other religious organizations to combat this issue more effectively. He added that there has been a noted increase in thefts of green yaqona plants, but currently, there are no regulations governing their sale. The Fiji Police Force is advocating for the inclusion of those dealing in green yaqona in the licensing criteria for yaqona businesses.
This situation emphasizes the need for enhanced regulations and community collaboration to address the theft of this culturally significant plant. There is hope that increased awareness and engagement from both the authorities and local communities will help mitigate these thefts in the future, ultimately preserving an important part of Fijian culture and economy.
In summary, while the statistics indicate a troubling trend, they also highlight an opportunity for community and law enforcement cooperation to foster a more secure and supportive environment for yaqona growers and sellers.
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