The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 534 theft cases involving yaqona plants on Taveuni Island from October 2019 to October 2023. Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Police, Sitiveni Rabuka, addressed this issue in Parliament recently during a session where he responded to a query from Ioane Naivalurua, the Leader of the Group of Nine (G9), regarding the rise in yaqona thefts.
Mr. Rabuka acknowledged the challenges in understanding the surge in these thefts and mentioned that the police are making concerted efforts to combat the issue, including utilizing a traditional approach known as vanua.
The statistical breakdown of yaqona thefts on Taveuni is as follows:
– 2019: 71 cases
– 2020: 115 cases
– 2021: 111 cases
– 2022: 98 cases
– 2023: 57 cases
– January to October 2024: 82 cases
The Prime Minister indicated that there was a notable spike in thefts during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially between 2019 and 2020, although cases decreased from 2020 to last year. However, in 2024, there has been an uptick again.
Mr. Rabuka noted recent collaborative efforts between the police and various churches, such as the Methodist Church, to address the issue. Additionally, he mentioned the theft of green yaqona plants and pointed out the absence of regulations regarding their sale and purchase. To tackle this, the Fiji Police Force is recommending that all yaqona business license holders incorporate sellers and buyers of green yaqona into their licensing criteria.
It is encouraging to see the local government stepping up efforts to address the theft issue through collaboration with community organizations. This proactive approach can foster a more secure environment for yaqona farmers and promote stability in the agricultural sector.
In summary, while yaqona thefts have fluctuated significantly over the past few years, ongoing collaborations and proposed regulatory changes show promise in tackling this problem effectively.
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