The Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Mara, has called for a united front among the Government, vanua, and church leaders to tackle the escalating drug crisis affecting Fiji. He addressed the seriousness of recent drug busts around the nation, characterizing these incidents as threats to the future of the country’s youth.
In his statement, Ratu Tevita emphasized that inaction is no longer an acceptable response. He advocated for the creation of a comprehensive government Strategy and Action Plan aimed at protecting Fijians and instilling hope in the younger generation. He articulated concern that the increasing rate of drug-related offenses jeopardizes the foundational integrity of local communities and places the youth at risk.
Ratu Tevita underlined the necessity of adopting a whole-of-nation approach in addressing this critical issue, pointing out that socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education, and rising unemployment are enticing youth into illegal activities. He stressed the importance of establishing clear pathways to employment and integrating drug awareness into educational curricula as early as primary school.
Failure to act decisively, he warned, could risk losing an entire generation to the pursuit of crime. He advocated for a holistic community approach that incorporates cultural values and emphasizes reconnecting youth with their vanua, helping them understand their identity, and embrace their cultural heritage. He also highlighted the role of traditional leadership through community structures like vuvale, tokatoka, mataqali, and yavusa in this initiative.
Ratu Tevita praised organizations like YADRA that work towards rehabilitating and assisting marginalized youth. His call to action reflects a growing concern for the welfare of Fiji’s youth and the future of society. The hope is that by fostering unity and implementing strategic solutions, Fiji can effectively combat the drug crisis and restore a sense of purpose and identity among its younger generation.