Ra leaders to discuss drug problem and launch scholarship fund

The growing drug problem affecting children and communities will be a major focus of the Ra Provincial Council Meeting, alongside the launch of a long-awaited scholarship fund that has reached its $500,000 target.

Ra Provincial Council chairman, Kiniviliame Salabogi shared this as he called on provincial leaders to attend the two-day meeting, scheduled for June 11 and 12 at the Provincial Office in Nanukuloa Village, Ra.

He said the council is awaiting confirmation from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs regarding the attendance of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the chief guest.

Mr Salabogi said the meeting will focus on development priorities within the province, including infrastructure projects and economic growth.

“The main discussions will focus on development issues, including roads, water supply and electricity,” he said.

“We are also inviting business owners operating within the province to provide updates on their activities and contributions to development.”

He said delegates would discuss initiatives aimed at advancing the province through business development, education and investment opportunities, as well as explore funding mechanisms to support these initiatives.

Education funding will also be a major agenda item.

Mr Salabogi said funds collected through the annual Siga Vou Kei Ra celebrations since 2017 have been earmarked for a scholarship trust fund.

“Since 2017, Siga Vou Kei Ra has been raising funds that will be used under a scholarship trust fund to support indigenous people of Ra and children whose mothers are from the province,” he said.

“Our target is $500,000, and we have reached that target, we hope to begin awarding scholarships.”

He said a committee has already been established to manage the fund and oversee its implementation, with scholarships expected to be offered as early as next year.

“This is one of the major discussions that will take place during the provincial meeting,” he said.

Mr Salabogi urged traditional leaders to attend and contribute to discussions affecting the future of the province.

“We invite all our traditional leaders to come out in numbers. This meeting is about the affairs of the Yasana. We need their voices and their views on the changes they would like to see implemented in our province.”

He said the issue of illicit drugs, which continues to affect communities across Fiji, would be given significant attention during the meeting.

“The issue of drugs and the impact it is having on our children is one of the national issues we must discuss,” he said.

“We need to find ways to address this challenge and protect the future of our young people.”

Meanwhile the Nadroga Provincial Meeting will also be held on June 10-11.