The rise in yaqona theft in Taveuni has prompted local farmers to take drastic measures to safeguard their crops, including hiring guards even during their Sunday church services. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed this escalating issue in Parliament, revealing that these thefts are often carried out by well-organized groups that utilize outboard-powered boats and shipping services to transport the stolen yaqona to Vanua Levu and other regions.
Mr. Rabuka condemned the thefts, emphasizing the negative impact on farmers’ livelihoods. According to data from the Fiji Police Force, the problem is significant but demonstrates varying trends over the past five years: there were 71 theft cases in 2019, which rose to 115 in 2020, then slightly decreased to 111 in 2021, 98 in 2022, and 57 in 2023, with 82 cases reported from January to October this year.
The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts by police to combat these crimes through community engagement, increased patrols, and collaboration with local authorities, churches, and crime prevention groups. To better handle the situation, district officers are working to register all yaqona farmers in Taveuni, thereby creating a tracking system meant to monitor the sales and purchases within the community.
Furthermore, Mr. Rabuka mentioned a concerning trend with the theft of green yaqona, which is currently not regulated. He suggested that all business license holders for yaqona must also account for those involved in selling and buying green yaqona.
To address these issues effectively, plans are underway to establish a new community police post on the island. The local residents have named the task force addressing the thefts the ‘KVS’ or ‘Kila Vata Squad.’ Mr. Rabuka reassured that the Government is dedicated to providing support to farmers so they can cultivate and sell their crops without fear of theft.
In summary, while the situation regarding yaqona theft is distressing, the proactive measures being taken by the Government and law enforcement, alongside community involvement, offer hope for a safer farming environment in Taveuni. It demonstrates an engaged community and leadership working towards a common goal of protecting local livelihoods.
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