Lomaiviti leaders warn of rising marijuana activity among youth

Drug abuse, particularly marijuana-related activity involving young people, has emerged as a growing concern in Lomaiviti Province.

Provincial leaders have warned that it is straining village authority systems and threatening community stability.

Speaking at the Lomaiviti Development Forum in Suva yesterday, provincial chairman Samuela Vadei claimed some villages were allegedly linked to marijuana cultivation.

He described the issue as embarrassing for village leadership.

In response, Mr Vadei said village councils and chiefs continued to enforce strict traditional by-laws against drug use.

He said some offenders had been barred from returning to their home islands if they were considered a negative influence on the community.

While traditional systems remained firm, forum leaders said the growing drug problem was being fuelled by wider social pressures, including youth migration to the mainland, unemployment and limited income opportunities in maritime communities.

Leaders warned that without stronger support systems, the issue could worsen and contribute to broader social challenges such as crime and urban drift.

Beyond the drug issue, the forum was described as a new initiative aimed at strengthening local leadership knowledge on issues affecting island communities.

Other issues of concern

Discussions covered environmental protection, illegal fishing, climate change, pollution, land and qoliqoli disputes, health and governance.

A village representative raised concerns about increasing marine pollution, including rubbish and oil spills from vessels travelling through Lomaiviti waters.

Leaders said the pollution was damaging coastal ecosystems and affecting communities heavily reliant on fishing for income and food security.

Illegal fishing was also highlighted as a concern, with claims vessel movements — often at night — were difficult to monitor and that local resource owners had limited influence over licensing decisions.

Provincial leaders intend to push for tighter regulation of fishing activity and vessel access within island waters.

The forum also discussed rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living, warning higher transport and freight costs would further increase prices of goods reaching outer islands.

Representatives from the Reserve Bank of Fiji also delivered financial literacy training, advising villagers on budgeting and managing rising expenses.

Despite the challenges, leaders pointed to village-based agricultural programmes as a positive pathway forward.

Mr Vadei highlighted successful yaqona farming initiatives where young people had reportedly earned enough income to build homes, start businesses and acquire assets, including vehicles.