Young people in Fiji are breaking their silence about the devastating impact of drugs in their communities and are urging for stronger support systems, education, and rehabilitation efforts as drug use escalates. Among those advocating for change is 18-year-old Nishal Narayan from Baulevu, who previously served as the Minister for Agriculture in last year’s Youth Parliament.
Narayan strongly believes that youth possess significant power to address drug-related issues affecting their communities. As a youth leader and entrepreneur, he emphasizes that initiating conversations about drugs is crucial for tackling the problem, asserting that silence only exacerbates the situation.
Concerned about the rapid rise of drug use among young people, Narayan has sought the opinions of his peers across the country regarding Fiji’s drug crisis. Many youths, he reports, are calling for more stringent border checks and accountability concerning drug distribution. He stresses that true accountability requires collective responsibility within the community.
“We need to reduce and prevent drug use among our youths. Youths must look out for each other,” Narayan stated. He warns that the increase in drug issues represents a significant threat to both the youth and the future of Fiji. Although he acknowledges that overcoming this crisis won’t happen overnight, he believes that neglecting the issue could jeopardize Fiji’s prospects.
Narayan calls on his generation to rally together to safeguard the nation’s future, asserting that a resilient Fiji begins with drug-free youths. He encourages his peers to embrace positive choices rather than concealing harmful behaviors, noting that numerous youths have expressed feelings of insecurity in their own neighborhoods.
With elections approaching, he urges his peers to vote and take a stand for change concerning drug issues. Narayan remains hopeful that continued dialogue and involvement in programs aimed at preventing drug use will empower young people across Fiji to foster a healthier, safer environment for their communities.