Yaqona Theft: A Growing Concern on Taveuni Island

The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 534 incidents of yaqona theft on Taveuni Island from October 2019 until October 2023. This unsettling trend was highlighted in Parliament by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while responding to a query from Group of Nine (G9) Leader Ioane Naivalurua regarding the rise in thefts of this valuable plant.

Mr. Rabuka acknowledged the challenges in managing these thefts and emphasized the police’s dedication to addressing the issue through a community-focused approach, known as the vanua approach.

The statistics reveal a fluctuating pattern in yaqona thefts over the years:
– 2019: 71 cases
– 2020: 115 cases (notably spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic)
– 2021: 111 cases
– 2022: 98 cases
– 2023: 57 cases
– January to October 2024: 82 cases

While there was a decrease in thefts after the initial spike in 2020, the number of incidents has surged again in 2024. Mr. Rabuka also noted a growing collaboration between the police and local churches, including the Methodist Church, to combat these thefts.

He pointed out the emerging issue of green yaqona plant thefts, noting that there are currently no regulations governing the sale and purchase of these plants. To tackle this, the Fiji Police Force is proposing that all yaqona business license holders should also include provisions for those involved in the trade of green yaqona.

The government is taking proactive measures to manage and potentially reduce these thefts, which could lead to a more stable market for yaqona in the community and protect local livelihoods. There seems to be hope on the horizon as collaborative efforts are initiated to address this issue.

Summary: The Fiji Police Force has documented 534 cases of yaqona theft on Taveuni Island from 2019 to 2023, revealing fluctuations in theft activity. Prime Minister Rabuka discussed the challenges and police initiatives to combat these thefts, including collaborations with local churches. Proposed regulations seek to regulate the trade of green yaqona plants to help safeguard the industry.