The Vanua o Vuda has taken a significant step in the fight against substance abuse by declaring a traditional tabu that will take effect from February 1, 2023. This bold initiative aims to ban alcohol, kava, cigarettes, and all forms of substance abuse in the Western Division and throughout Fiji. The tabu will remain in place for 251 days, concluding on October 10, 2026, and targets activities deemed “unrighteous” as traditional leaders seek to strengthen community defenses against the escalating drug threat.
Ratu Meli Tavaiqia, spokesperson for Tui Vuda and chairman of the Ba Provincial Council, emphasized that the move is designed to support national law enforcement efforts while showcasing proactive community leadership. “This ‘tabu’ is to help law enforcement fight the war against drugs,” Ratu Meli stated, underlining the collaborative effort to combat substance abuse.
The prohibition primarily impacts men and women under the age of 45 across various villages, including Viseisei, Lomolomo, Lauwaki, Nagaga (Abaca), and Waya Lailai (Namara). To formally inaugurate this significant prohibition, a traditional anointing ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, marked by a march from the Vuda bypass to the village chapel at 3 PM.
Notably, the community has established a traditional court system to address violations of the tabu, emphasizing their commitment to upholding this initiative with firm accountability measures. Ratu Meli stated that while disciplinary practices have evolved, the primary focus remains on protecting the youth.
This decisive action comes in light of a recent multi-million-dollar drug bust at Vatia Wharf, heightening concerns among traditional leaders about the exposure of communities in the Western Division to illicit drugs. “If we are going to stop marijuana or hard drugs from entering our villages, we must be vigilant,” he asserted.
The initiative resonates with the Fiji Police Force’s call for a “whole-of-nation” approach, encouraging families, chiefs, and traditional structures to act as a vital first line of defense against drug trafficking and abuse. This community-led stance represents a hopeful movement towards safeguarding the well-being of future generations.