Fiji continues to grapple with its role as a transit and distribution center for illegal drugs, prompting the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to implement joint operations focused on enhancing strategies to combat this issue. This initiative was highlighted by Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua, during a recent meeting with Reverend Mosese Cakau from the Assemblies of God Church.
Minister Naivalurua expressed gratitude to the church for its community service efforts and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships to confront the escalating drug crisis impacting the nation. The DUAVATA framework, which fosters collaboration among various community groups — known as vanua, lotu, and Government — is guiding these proactive efforts. This framework is supplemented by awareness programs specifically targeting schools and local communities.
Furthermore, Naivalurua is calling on families and churches to take a proactive stance in preventing drug abuse and promoting early intervention, particularly among the youth demographic aged 18 to 30, who are disproportionately affected by drug-related issues. He underscored that effectively tackling this crisis demands a blend of robust law enforcement and active community involvement. The Government remains committed to pursuing a structured and sustainable approach to address these challenges, fostering hope for a healthier future for Fiji’s communities.