Fijians are being urged to tackle the roots of the drug crisis rather than just addressing its symptoms. Selina Kuruleca, the permanent secretary for Justice, emphasized the importance of moving from a reactive to a proactive approach in combating the growing issue of substance abuse within communities.
Kuruleca stated that the prevalent attitude of complacency needs to cease. “We’re a group of people that are very good at saying, don’t worry about it — that needs to stop,” she remarked. She highlighted the crucial link between drug use and trauma, particularly intergenerational trauma, which continues to impact families and communities across Fiji.
She explained, “We can’t talk about drug use without talking about trauma,” indicating that the cycles of vulnerability, exploitation, and substance abuse are deeply intertwined. Kuruleca implored that to enact real change, the focus must shift from merely “patching the wound” to implementing preventive measures.
The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection are already working on transforming their approach from providing mere assistance to fostering empowerment. Kuruleca asserted that true empowerment necessitates the establishment of new structures, resources, and legal reforms, arguing that slogans alone are not enough to address the crisis.
Current initiatives under the Ministry of Women include community-based counseling, outreach programs for parents and families, drug awareness campaigns in schools, and strategic partnerships to create effective rehabilitation facilities. However, Kuruleca recognized that government efforts cannot succeed in isolation, stating, “We must all go together,” calling for a collective community effort to pave the way for meaningful change.
This call for a united front against the drug crisis reflects a growing recognition of the need for a holistic approach that addresses root causes rather than symptoms. By fostering community involvement and implementing comprehensive programs, Fiji stands a chance of breaking the cycle of substance abuse and healing the underlying traumas afflicting its society.