ANYONE found guilty of dealing drugs will be legally removed from villages in Namosi, says the Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua.
He made the decision at the Bose Vanua at Veivatuloa Village on Tuesday.
Ratu Suliano said while many chiefs have made similar decisions, it was important to know that no one, not even chiefs, have the power under the law to remove or vacate people from their homes.
“However, we will use the law and in this case, if someone is caught dealing with drugs, taking drugs or planting it, the turaga ni yavusa will bring that person down to the police station, get him or her charged and then to the courts,” he said.
“Once the court deals with that case, we will apply for a DVRO (Domestic Violence Restraining Order) to keep that person away from the village for a certain period of time, but when that person has completed serving his or her term in jail, we will accept them back and help their journey with life.”
Ratu Suliano said they’ve involved the police in the village, provincial and chiefly meetings to ensure awareness against drug usage continues in the province.
“We work closely with police because the safety and security of our villages and communities lie in our hands. It begins with us.
“I have told the chiefs and traditional leaders to fight the problems of drug abuse. It affects our children and our people and we need to act now to help them, because they need our guidance.
“Parents need to step in first and help their children. I’ve pleaded as well with parents in Namosi to play their roles and look after their children.”
Leaders told to cut kava, alcohol use
TRADITIONAL leaders in Namosi have been told to reduce their kava and alcohol consumption and spend more time with their families, especially by helping their wives at home.
They were also told that reducing consumption would help them perform their duties better.
The directive by Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua was issued during the Bose Vanua (chiefly meeting) at Veivatuloa Village on Tuesday.
“I’ve told our clan leaders (yavusa and mataqali) to cut down hours spent drinking yaqona and even alcohol. In fact, reduce their consumption of these drinks,” he said.
“There have been times when I’d drive up to my village and I see women carrying firewood and even root crops, making their way back home from the plantation.
“I’d pick them, take them to their village and often I would see their husbands drinking yaqona in broad daylight.
“So, I’d get off the vehicle, sit with them and growl at them to be ashamed that women are now doing their fatherly duties. This has to stop because our children need to learn their rightful duties at home.”
Ratu Suliano has urged his traditional leaders to raise the issue in village meetings and to remind men they play a vital role at home.
“Look after your wives and children, fight domestic violence and let’s respect our women.”
“We may make decisions as head of families, head of yavusa, mataqali and villages but it’s the women who make things happen. That’s why we need to support them. It all begins at home.”
