As drug-related incidents continue to rise across the country, representatives from various islands are advocating for a stronger police presence at rural wharves to prevent and monitor illegal drug activities. This pressing concern surfaced during discussions on the National Rural Development Plan, led by a representative from the Levuka district on Ovalau Island.
Levuka District Officer Taniela Tamani expressed the urgency of the situation, stating that many villages are being adversely affected due to a lack of sufficient oversight, which has allowed for the unchecked transportation of drugs between islands. Local residents are calling for intensified police monitoring at wharves to effectively oversee the movement of goods.
Tamani highlighted the frequency of boat arrivals in Ovalau, with vessels making trips twice daily. Despite existing district regulations prohibiting eating, drinking, and drug possession, the enforcement of these rules remains a challenge. “We are seeking help to combat this issue,” he noted, emphasizing the need for support from law enforcement.
This appeal for increased police presence is not a new discussion; it has been a recurring theme in previous provincial meetings. The Minister for iTaukei Affairs has also underscored the importance of integrating community protocols into the development plan. This approach aims to create a more adaptable and responsive policy framework that upholds the core values of rural and maritime communities, focusing on collective decision-making and shared responsibility.
Community members are encouraged to play an active role in the development plan, enhancing local initiatives, monitoring population movements, and maintaining vigilance against drug-related issues. By fostering collaboration between the community and law enforcement agencies, there is hope for a significant decline in drug trafficking and its detrimental impacts on the islands. This united effort underscores the strength of community resilience and determination to create safer environments for all residents.