Village leaders are calling for stronger community action against the growing threat of drugs, with headman Osea Ramatau of Nacekoro Village in Savusavu urging families to take the lead in safeguarding their youths.
Mr Ramatau described drug use as a persistent and growing concern, particularly in coastal communities.
“This is not a new issue for us, it is ongoing, and it demands our full attention,” he said.
“I am focused on bringing our youths together and guiding them away from the harmful effects of drugs.”
He said drugs were slowly eroding the fabric of village life, warning that the impact reaches far beyond individual users.
“When one young person falls into drugs, the whole village feels the pain.”
He described unemployment and idle time as major contributors.
“Once they fall into drugs, it is very difficult to pull them out. The best solution is to keep them meaningfully engaged, especially through sports, farming, and other community activities, so their time and energy are used wisely.”
To address the issue, the village has established youth groups, organising tournaments and encouraging farming and other productive programs.
“We want our young people to contribute positively to the community, not lose themselves to drug abuse.”
He said the fight against drugs could not be left to authorities alone. He believes parents, elders, and community leaders must work together to guide young people.
He said it was also necessary to have open dialogues within families, stressing that silence often allowed problems to grow unchecked.
“We must talk to our children, listen to them, and under the pressures they face.
“It takes a whole village to raise a child, and it will take a whole village to protect one.”
