by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
The chief of one of Fiji’s 14 provinces has issued a warning to residents that involvement in drug-related activities will result in a ban from the province.
Fiji is facing a significant drug crisis, with authorities struggling to manage the situation. Police are conducting weekly raids, arresting individuals, and seizing illegal substances like methamphetamine and marijuana.
Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, the chief of Namosi province, discussed this issue during a Great Council of Chiefs meeting in Suva this week. He emphasized the detrimental effects of drugs on communities and expressed his desire to prevent his people from falling into such traps.
Namosi is one of Fiji’s smaller provinces, with a population of just under 8,000, predominantly made up of indigenous iTaukei people, according to the 2017 Census.
He stated, “The vanua (province) plays a crucial role in raising awareness about drugs in villages. If the vanua is weak, the people will also be weak,” as reported by fijivillage.com.
The chief aims to make Namosi drug-free within the next three to five years, as stated during the Bose Vanua, a meeting of traditional leaders.
He also indicated that anyone found involved in drug activities must leave the province, and he plans to speak with their parents afterward, emphasizing that the issues often start at home.
Ratu Suliano expressed his desire for change, recalling the negative impact drugs had on his life during his time in prison. He also raised concerns about parents who engage in kava drinking and other social activities without adequately caring for their children.
