Fiji’s Minister for Policing, Iowane Naivalurua, has firmly rejected assertions that the country has surrendered in the fight against illicit drugs. Speaking at the National Talanoa Session on Responding to Illicit Drugs in Fiji, he urged participants to adopt proactive strategies and dismiss what he referred to as “armchair strategies” that offer no real solutions.
During his remarks, Naivalurua urged attendees to remain steadfast and not allow negative perspectives to discourage them. He conveyed his commitment to tackling drug-related challenges, stating, “There’s a lot of pessimists out there. I don’t belong to that group, and I hope you don’t belong to that group too.” This conviction was evident as he emphasized the ongoing efforts to address this pressing issue.
The minister condemned narratives that suggest Fiji has already lost the battle against drugs, asserting that such claims misrepresent the current situation. While acknowledging the country faces substantial hurdles, he believes these challenges should not be mistaken for defeat. “Yes, we may have lost a few small battles here and there, but we now have a new momentum,” he remarked. “We are focusing on a new direction. Fiji has not lost the drug war.”
Naivalurua also rejected comparisons between Fiji and infamous drug-producing countries like Mexico and Colombia, clarifying that the nation is not in a similar predicament. He called for collective action among drug enforcement and prevention agents, cautioning against the demoralizing impact of negative rhetoric.
The session brought together various government bodies, community leaders, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration to tackle the escalating threat of illicit drugs in Fiji. Naivalurua’s message reiterates the crucial need for unity and resilience in the battle against drug issues, presenting a hopeful outlook on the nation’s ability to strengthen its position in this ongoing struggle. The session aims to enhance solidarity among all participants to effectively combat the multifaceted challenges posed by illicit drugs in the country.