Serve Time In Community Not Behind Bars, Say West Chiefs
Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci said: “This is something like back in the colonial days serving your community.
Thursday 16 April 2020 | 12:13
Accused (from left), Epi Dakai, Epeli Dakuliga, Inoke Koroisuva, and Inoke Vosailagi at Nadi Magistrates Court on April 12, 2020. Photo: Mereleki Nai
Traditional leaders and chiefs are suggesting a more logical punishment for those who break the curfew and social gathering law.
Rather than paying fines, overcrowding the remand centres or serving prison sentences they should be given community work.
Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci said: “This is something like back in the colonial days serving your community.
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“That seems the best way at the moment. People still do not listen.”
Tui Nawaka Ratu Asaeli Driu shared similar thoughts saying: “It is hard to teach some people.
“It is easy for some people while for some it isn’t. It is difficult because we are not used to these laws.”
The Vanua-o-Nawaka has since March 24, initiated curfew for its villages.
Tui Tavua Ratu Nacanieli Uqeuqe said: “Drinking grog has been happening in Fiji, people are not following the law and they take it into their own hands. They think that different sets of law apply to different sets of people. It’s a learning curve for all of us
“It is unfortunate because our Fijian culture has allowed that and we haven’t broken away but it’s very simple, as soon as there’s something like this of national interest that happens, we should just follow the law.”
Ratu Nacanieli said he’s been having regular meetings with Police and district officers to control the situation.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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