Lau chief warns Fiji is running out of time on drugs

Inaction is no longer an option as the Province of Lau, led by its paramount chief, the Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, has raised serious concerns over the escalating crisis of drug trafficking and smuggling in Fiji.

Ratu Tevita said recent significant drug busts in the Western Division and Suva highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated national response.

“The rising wave of drug-related offenses threatens the foundation of our communities and endangers the future of our youth,” Ratu Tevita said.

“Inaction is no longer an option,” he said.

“Government Strategy and Action Plan is imperative to safeguard all Fijians and restore hope for our young people.”

Ratu Tevita called on Government, traditional vanua leaders, and all faith communities — Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and others — as well as non-governmental organisations to unite against the growing threat.

“We must adopt a whole-of-nation approach. Our youths are being enticed into illegal activities because of socio-economic challenges including poverty, lack of education, and rising unemployment,” he said.

“We must establish clear pathways to employment and integrate drug awareness into the educational curriculum from primary school onward, or we risk losing an entire generation to the allure of crime.”

He stressed the need for solutions that reflect Fiji’s cultural foundations.

“We require a holistic community approach that also includes our culture and way of life,” Ratu Tevita emphasised.

“Our youths must be helped to reconnect with their vanua, understand their identity, and embrace their culture and values. Utilising traditional leadership through vuvale (family), tokatoka (sub-clan), mataqali (clan), and yavusa (tribe) can play a critical role in this effort.”

Ratu Tevita also acknowledged organisations working in youth rehabilitation.

“I applaud the efforts of organisations such as YADRA and many others in this regard, who are helping and rehabilitating our marginalised youths.”

He further called for immediate reform of the iTaukei Affairs Act to strengthen the authority of Village Councils, Tikina Councils and Provincial Councils.

“Empowering our local governance structures is essential for engaging our communities in the fight against drugs. We must equip our local leaders, including Turaga ni Koro and Mata ni Tikina, with the resources needed to address these urgent challenges, particularly on our maritime islands,” he said.

Ratu Tevita also advocated for a legislative review to impose stricter punishments for drug offenders.

“Let us send a very clear and strong message: drug trafficking will not be tolerated. While the death penalty may not entirely deter, we must not rule it out as a measure to protect our society.”

He highlighted the need to strengthen enforcement agencies in Fiji’s territorial waters and maritime provinces, particularly along known drug routes.

“We need to take pre-emptive and proactive measures. Some traditional owners have taken the initiative to patrol our coastal waters in anti-drug efforts. For us in Lau, we have limited resources and we need more help from Government given the vastness of our ocean and fishing grounds.”

“We are running out of time. If we fail to act decisively now, we risk a perilous future. Robust collaboration is essential to restore safety and security in our communities.”

Chairman of the Lau Provincial Council, Meli Saubulinayau, echoed the call for decisive action.

“We stand firmly behind the Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau in this fight. Our response must be proactive and decisive, not merely reactive.”

Ratu Tevita concluded with a final appeal for unity.

“We must unite as a nation now to protect our people. The time for our leaders to act is now; the future of Fiji depends on our collective action today.”