Faith leaders call for stronger families amid crime concerns

Faith leaders have raised concerns over house and temple break-ins, warning that stronger families and greater guidance for young people are needed to tackle crime in Fiji.

They are calling for parents, communities and law enforcement agencies to work together, with Police saying the involvement of young people in crime requires a holistic response.

Howell Road Sangam Temple head priest Siva Sri S. Prakash Sivam said parents had a key role in preventing young people from turning to crime by instilling spiritual, cultural and moral values from an early age.

“All parents have to teach their children good things and spiritual values from a young age,” he said.

Priest Sivam also encouraged families to make prayer and positive practices part of children’s daily lives.

Secretary for Communications and Overseas Missions of the Methodist Church in Fiji, Reverend Lote Raboila, said the weakening of family structures and values was contributing to social problems.

“Everything begins with the family,” he said, stressing the importance of teaching children the difference between right and wrong.

Reverend Raboila said communities also needed to rebuild the culture of looking out for one another and working closely with law enforcement.

National President of the Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Dhirendra Dipak Nand, said offences against places of worship were particularly concerning.

“Young people are the future of our nation,” he said, calling for greater opportunities in education, skills development, sports, cultural activities and community service.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said the involvement of young people in crime required a broader response.

“The involvement of young people is a matter that needs to be addressed holistically,” he said.

Mr Vusonilawe said Police had also adjusted their response to robberies and burglaries.

Questions were sent to the Fiji Muslim League, but no response was received.