Traditional Leaders Enforce Bylaw

Traditional leaders of Sabeto Village in Nadi have implemented a bylaw allowing them to make arrests if one of their own is found dealing or trafficking drugs.

The bylaw follows the need to protect their youth and children from the ever-increasing social ills.

Most recently is the seizure of consignments at a warehouse in Legalega and Waimalika.

This was revealed by the Fiji Police Force Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Livai Driu in Sabeto last Friday.

Mr Driu said they had formed a village committee for policing.

The one (drug bust) that took place in Waimalika is just near the village boundary. The traditional leaders, Turaga ni Yavusa and the Turaga ni Koro enforce the common law because the village is private property, ACP Driu said.

This year they conducted an arrest in the village, and they handed the accused to the village Police.

The village Police then handed them to the Nadi Police.

He encouraged other villages to do the same, especially the province of Ba.

The reason was that there were many developments taking place in the province of Ba, and villagers who work in the tourism industry were vulnerable because they were exposed to these drugs.

Our children are vulnerable, as well as our people working in the tourist sector, who can be used to deliver these drugs to the village. Our school leavers and dropouts are also vulnerable, he said.

Sabeto villagers during the Siga Vou kei Betoraurau at Sabeto Village in Nadi.

Sigavou kei Betoraurau

Last Friday, Sabeto Village held a fundraising event known as the Siga Vou kei Betoraurau.

ACP Driu said the event was an important initiative for the villagers.

“It helps school leavers to have a better education and developments for the seven villages under the rulership of Tui Sabeto.

“We want to safeguard and protect our children and future generation,” he added.

Feedback:  mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj