The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 534 cases of yaqona theft on Taveuni Island from October 2019 to October this year, as revealed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during a parliamentary session. This increase in thefts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised concerns among local authorities.
In response to a question from Group of Nine (G9) Leader Ioane Naivalurua regarding the surge in yaqona thefts, Mr. Rabuka emphasized the challenges faced by police in addressing the issue. The statistics reflect fluctuating theft rates over the past few years, with the following cases recorded:
– 2019: 71 cases
– 2020: 115 cases
– 2021: 111 cases
– 2022: 98 cases
– 2023: 57 cases
– January to October 2024: 82 cases
Mr. Rabuka noted a significant spike in thefts from 2019 to 2020 and mentioned recent cooperative efforts between the police, the Methodist Church, and other organizations to combat this problem. Additionally, he highlighted the theft of green yaqona plants, which currently lack regulatory measures regarding their sale and purchase. To address this, the Fiji Police Force is proposing that all yaqona business license holders include regulations for the trade of green yaqona in their criteria.
This growing concern over yaqona theft points to an urgent need for stronger community ties and collaborative strategies to protect valuable local resources. By fostering partnerships between law enforcement and community groups, there is hope for a more effective approach to curb these thefts and support local farmers.
Overall, while the statistics may seem concerning, they also provide an opportunity for improvement and proactive measures to safeguard the yaqona industry on Taveuni Island.
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