Presidential Call on Naitasiri Chief, People

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has urged Naitasiri paramount chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, to take decisive action to protect his people from the growing illicit drug crisis.

He expressed concern over the increasing drug use across the country.

Ratu Wiliame opened the Naitasiri Provincial Council meeting at Tamavua Village in Suva yesterday.

“It is important that we all work together for the betterment of the province. The vanua needs to collaborate with the youths and the community to address the widespread social issues affecting our society,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“I have seen the detrimental effects of drugs on our youths, and I am deeply concerned for our current and future generations. It is time for us to unite and ensure that the vanua and the church work together to protect our children.

“Cultural values and manners must be reinforced within families and vanua so that children learn to respect the elders in the community.

He reminded the people of Naitasiri that young individuals who have left school should be encouraged to attend technical schools, enabling them to overcome social issues and contribute to the community’s development.

“We must not point fingers at others. It is up to us to stand up and address this issue,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“There is a need for a comprehensive village profile initiative to help Government provide targeted assistance that will benefit the people of Naitasiri.”

He also encouraged the people of Naitasiri to help combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by adopting healthier eating habits.

“The Ministry of Health has indicated that 80 per cent of deaths are caused by NCDs. We must ask ourselves what we can do as a province to address this issue,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“I urge all of you to reflect on how our forefathers lived and ate. We must ensure that we consume the food that we grow ourselves.”

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