The answer to Fiji’s drug problem is not in building more churches: PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the fight against drugs and social ills must begin at home — not through the construction of more churches.

He made the remark during a Meet the Press town hall meeting in Ba last night, responding to a question from Naidrodro resident Mesulame Nakiole, who said his community had requested land from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and the Ministry of Lands to build a church as a way to address rising issues such as drug use and HIV.

"Did you know that there are big churches that have been built on where people who cultivate and take drugs are from?" Mr Rabuka said.

“The answer to these issues is not in building a church,” he said.

“We as parents and elders have a role — instilling discipline and guiding our children.”

Acting Commissioner of Police Aporosa Lutunauga echoed the sentiment, saying drug abuse was a national issue that must be tackled at family and community levels.

“It must start from home,” he said.

“Teaching good values and looking after our families. It takes a village to raise a child.”