Duavata Carnival promotes drug awareness
'If your children are not listening to you or are involved with drugs, bring them to the carnival to hear these contestants'
Sunday 20 July 2025 | 21:00
Pinto Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival contestants during the float procession in Labasa on July 19, 2025.
Photo: Shratika Naidu
Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival Chairperson Satish Kumar invites northerners to attend the week-long event and listen to the 22 contestants’ advocacy messages on drugs. He says Fiji is currently grappling with serious drug issues, and many people are concerned that the situation continues to worsen.
“Once a year, we hold this carnival featuring students from secondary schools and universities who speak on various topics related to drugs,” Mr Kumar said.
If your children are not listening to you or are involved with drugs, bring them to the carnival to hear these contestants. Maybe they will improve after listening to students their own age.
Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival chairperson Satish Kumar
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He cited an international report stating that nearly 200 million people worldwide used illicit drugs.
“In Fiji, illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis (marijuana) have dominated media reports, the justice system, the social welfare department, and the health sector,” he said. “Our hospitals are receiving more drug-related mental health admissions.”
Mr Kumar says the committee is working closely with the Fiji Police Force to address the drug problem, particularly in Vanua Levu.
