Fiji is facing a pivotal moment in its fight against a growing drug crisis, with church leaders and community organizations calling for immediate and coordinated action to prevent a generation from succumbing to substance abuse. Senior Pastor Manasa Kolivuso of Faith Harvest Centre described the escalating drug situation as a “matter of national survival,” stressing the importance of urgent intervention.
In response to this pressing issue, national organizations, churches, and international allies are working together to formulate a strategic response to the drug epidemic, especially as global drug syndicates increasingly target the Pacific Islands for trafficking. At a recent workshop in Suva focused on the National Pastoral Response to Drugs, community leaders agreed that tackling the drug problem goes beyond law enforcement and requires a united approach involving families, communities, religious organizations, and the government.
The group emphasized that drug use has infiltrated rural communities, threatening both public health and societal cohesion. This coordinated initiative aligns with Fiji’s National Counter Narcotics Strategy for 2023–2028, aiming to encompass enforcement, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies.
The complexities of the ongoing challenges related to methamphetamine – identified as the most pressing drug issue in the Pacific by United Nations representative Megumi Hara – highlight the seriousness of the crisis. Hara pointed out the concerning rise in health issues linked to drug use, revealing that nearly half of new HIV treatment cases in Fiji are associated with injecting drug use.
As the crisis deepens, opinions on potential solutions vary widely. Investment consultant Sandeep Singh has suggested drastic measures, including deploying military forces and reinstating the death penalty, as necessary steps to address what he sees as a drug pandemic. However, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces clarified that military involvement would focus on providing logistical support rather than engaging in violent operations.
Singh estimates that up to 45 percent of Fiji’s population could be affected by drugs and HIV. He criticized the ineffectiveness of current public consultations and urged law enforcement and government officials to take decisive action against drug-related issues. His recommendations include the establishment of a specialized drug court, a no-bail policy for serious drug offenses, and an expedited process for destroying seized drugs.
With the urgency of the drug crisis growing more apparent, it underscores the essential need for a comprehensive and united strategy to protect Fiji’s youth and stabilize its communities. The collaborative efforts among various sectors represent a hopeful stride towards combating the drug epidemic that poses a significant threat to the nation’s well-being.