A former Parliamentarian is urging the Fijian Government to quickly implement formal village by-laws as a vital component of the nation’s strategy to combat drug-related issues. Niko Nawaikula expressed that current laws lack an essential community-based enforcement mechanism, which could significantly enhance local responses to the growing drug problem.
In his recent submission, Nawaikula highlighted that Fiji’s effective governance in the past relied on village by-laws, traditional leadership, and native courts. Over time, these systems have diminished, largely due to a failure to update and integrate them into modern legal frameworks.
He contended that re-establishing recognized by-laws would empower communities to take legal action against drug-related activities while ensuring compliance with the Constitution. “Communities cannot take enforcement action today without proper legal backing. Even when illegal cultivation is discovered, villagers cannot simply remove crops or expel offenders without risking violation of constitutional rights. Properly enacted village by-laws would provide the lawful mechanism to act,” Nawaikula stated.
Nawaikula’s proposal is backed by international standards, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which advocates for the recognition of Indigenous governance structures. He has called for the Government to expedite the implementation of these formal by-laws within the iTaukei Affairs framework to work alongside existing narcotics regulations.
In addition, he suggested that villages and schools be designated as protected zones, underlining the importance of safeguarding these community pillars. The establishment of Village Narcotics Protection Committees, with defined statutory roles for community monitoring, intelligence gathering, and rehabilitation referrals, was also proposed. Such committees could assist authorities in identifying trafficking routes and risks within rural areas, addressing the issue from multiple angles.
Nawaikula emphasized that enforcement alone cannot tackle the drug crisis effectively. Rather, bolstering village by-laws would enhance cultural governance and promote social accountability, essential elements for shielding Fiji’s communities from the threats posed by illegal drugs. This approach not only aims to improve public safety but also fosters a greater sense of community resilience and responsibility.