Families must lead fight against drugs, urges Vosarogo

Families, not security forces, must be the first line of defence in protecting children from drugs, says Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo.

Speaking in iTaukei to the Vanua o Nakovacake at Navoci Village in Nadi on Friday, Mr Vosarogo said Government’s focus remained on strengthening homes, communities and faith-based institutions.

“The home, the family, the vanua and the church are where our children should be cared for, guided and protected from drugs and the social issues affecting our country today,” he said.

“If these foundations are weak, we should not be surprised at where our children end up.

“The Police and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces have joined forces in this fight. Why don’t we — the family, the vanua and the church — also join forces to protect our children?”

Mr Vosarogo also linked global tensions to rising fuel costs, saying international conflicts had contributed to higher oil prices and exposed Fiji’s reliance on imported fuel.

He said this highlighted the need to explore alternative energy sources for electricity generation in communities.

He also stressed the importance of lifting standards by prioritising local products and resources to reduce dependence on imports.