During a recent public consultation on the Counter Narcotics Bill in Tavua, calls for increased village authority and constitutional reform emerged as key topics of discussion. Community leaders voiced their frustrations regarding legal impediments that hinder their ability to effectively tackle drug-related problems in their areas.
Village headman Apimeleki Vunisa shared a troubling incident where a resident was arrested for drug offenses. The villagers had collectively decided to remove the individual to protect their community’s reputation but learned that such an action would require a court order. “We were told that we don’t have the authority to evict a person from the village unless it was court ordered,” he lamented, emphasizing the need for legislative change to empower local leaders.
Vunisa called on lawmakers to amend existing laws, enabling the Tui Tavua to evict members whose behavior endangers the community, thus linking local governance directly to the preservation of village integrity.
Consultant Biu Matavou responded to these concerns by providing insight into the legal framework surrounding community governance. He pointed out that while the 1997 Constitution acknowledged the role of customary law, the 2013 Constitution places a stronger emphasis on individual rights, which has inadvertently limited the enforcement of village bylaws. Matavou noted that these views resonate nationally, highlighting a broader sense of frustration among communities facing similar challenges.
Despite the legal hurdles associated with reinstating customary powers, Matavou mentioned the committee’s proposal to consider “protected zone” provisions. These provisions would aim to formally recognize villages and educational institutions in their initiatives against drug abuse, seeking a balance between community autonomy and constitutional safeguards. This ongoing dialogue represents a promising step forward as communities strive to reclaim their authority in addressing the drug crisis while engaging within existing legal structures.