Strengthen village by-laws to curb youth crime, says Nadogo rep

Village by-laws should be strengthened to reduce crimes and unruly behaviours of our youth, especially iTaukei, says Nadogo district representative, Ranadiceve Raluna.

She made the comment after a series of criminal activities allegedly involving youth flocking to urban centres during weekends.

Ms Raluna said she was aware of such incidents and encouraged village elders and leaders to monitor their youths whenever they ventured to the town. She believed youths had a productive role to play in iTaukei society.

Nadogo district representative, Ranadiceve Raluna.

Photo: Samp

Ms Raluna said large groups of village youths were frequently seen loitering, drinking alcohol, and engaging in fights, with some allegedly damaging property under the influence of alcohol.

She urged village elders and leaders to monitor their youths more closely when they travel to town.

“There were strict protocols in the past where each youth had to attend church in their villages irrespective of their other duties or engagements, nowadays this protocol is taken lightly by them,” Ms Raluna said.

She said the decline in traditional values, noting that many youths now skip Sunday church and family time to roam the town. She said the important role young people play in iTaukei society and called for a return to discipline and cultural protocols.

Ms Raluna said her instructions to the youth living in Nadogo district was simple, follow the laws of the country and village by-laws.

Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, on many occasions, had met villages near the township to ensure youths do not create insecurity in Labasa Town.

He said change should be done now to help curb criminal activities, drugs and substance abuse, rape and abuse.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj