Fiji is at a critical juncture regarding its battle against a burgeoning drug crisis, with church leaders and community organizations insisting that a coordinated and urgent response is necessary to prevent the nation from losing a generation to substance abuse. Senior Pastor Manasa Kolivuso of Faith Harvest Centre characterized the escalating drug problem as a “matter of national survival,” emphasizing the need for immediate and robust intervention.
Addressing this urgent concern, national organizations, churches, and international partners have come together to devise a strategic response to the drug epidemic, particularly as international drug syndicates increasingly utilize the Pacific Islands for trafficking operations. During a recent workshop in Suva focused on the National Pastoral Response to Drugs, community leaders reached a consensus that the issue transcends law enforcement alone and requires a united, proactive front involving families, communities, religious groups, and the government.
The group underscored that drug usage has permeated rural areas, endangering both public health and social fabric. Recognizing this, the coordinated initiative aligns with Fiji’s National Counter Narcotics Strategy for 2023–2028, designed to take an all-encompassing approach that includes enforcement, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.
The ongoing challenges presented by methamphetamine, identified as the foremost drug threat in the Pacific by United Nations representative Megumi Hara, illustrated the complexities of the situation. Hara noted the alarming rise in health incidents related to drug use, including that nearly half of new HIV treatment cases in Fiji were tied to injecting drug use.
In light of the worsening crisis, opinions on potential solutions vary. Sandeep Singh, an investment consultant, called for the deployment of military forces and the introduction of the death penalty as drastic measures necessary to combat what he termed a drug pandemic. However, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces clarified that military support in drug operations would remain non-violent, focusing instead on providing logistical assistance.
Singh pointed to the potential scale of the problem, estimating that nearly 45 percent of Fiji’s population may be impacted by drugs and HIV, and he criticized the inefficacy of current public consultations, urging for immediate action from law enforcement and a determination to eradicate drug-related issues.
He proposed several measures including the creation of a specialized drug court, a no-bail policy for substantial drug offenses, and expedited processes for the disposal of seized drugs.
As the urgency of the drug crisis becomes more apparent, it highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive and unified approach to ensure the safety of Fiji’s youth and the stability of its communities. The collaborative efforts between various sectors signify a hopeful step towards tackling the drug epidemic that threatens the well-being of the country.