The Fiji Police Force has reported a concerning total of 534 cases of yaqona plant thefts on Taveuni Island between October 2019 and October 2023. This issue was brought to light by Prime Minister and Minister for Police, Sitiveni Rabuka, during a parliamentary session where he responded to inquiries from Group of Nine (G9) Leader, Ioane Naivalurua, regarding the growing incidents of theft on the island.
Mr. Rabuka noted the challenges in explaining these thefts, stating that the police have been actively working to mitigate the issue, including engaging with local communities through the vanua approach, which emphasizes traditional practices and community involvement.
In terms of specific statistics on yaqona thefts over the years:
– 2019: 71 cases
– 2020: 115 cases
– 2021: 111 cases
– 2022: 98 cases
– 2023: 57 cases
– January to October 2024: 82 cases
Rabuka highlighted a notable spike in thefts from 2019 to 2020 coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a downward trend until 2022. However, he indicated a sharp rise in thefts in 2024 thus far, which raises concerns among local authorities.
He remarked on a cooperative effort between law enforcement and various churches, including the Methodist Church, to address the problem collaboratively. Additionally, Mr. Rabuka pointed out a rise in thefts of green yaqona plants, noting the absence of regulations governing the sale of these plants. To address this, the Fiji Police Force is advocating for new licensing criteria for yaqona businesses that would encompass the transactions of green yaqona plants.
As these discussions unfold, there is hope that through community engagement and stronger regulatory frameworks, solutions can be found to protect this culturally significant crop and reduce theft incidents on Taveuni Island. This proactive approach not only aims to safeguard the interests of local farmers but also reinforces the bonds within the community to tackle crime collectively.
In summary, while thefts of yaqona plants have been a persistent issue, ongoing collaborations and proposed regulations signify that local authorities are committed to finding effective solutions for the betterment of the community.
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