Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad has stepped forward in the fight against drugs, calling for a united front to confront the growing drug crisis.
He warns it poses a serious threat to communities, families, and the country’s future.
That’s the truth!
The challenge now is on us as individuals, as a family, and as part of society and communities, to stand up for what is right!
Speaking during a talanoa session with members of the Fiji Council of Social Services yesterday, Prof Prasad described drug abuse as a “huge national threat”.
He said it impacted families, communities, and the economy.
“It is a huge national threat to our wellbeing, to our security, and this message must go to all our children, our youth, that getting into drugs means you are destroying yourself, you are destroying your parents, you are destroying your village, you are destroying your settlement, you are destroying your communities, you are destroying the country.”
Now that’s a bold statement.
Parents and families have been urged to take more responsibility monitoring young people and their social environments.
Prof Prasad emphasised the need for parental guidance and vigilance when dealing with children.
His remarks come amid mounting concern over drug-related crime, addiction, and health risks in Fiji.
The 2025–2026 National Budget includes major law enforcement and public health measures, such as the recruitment of 1000 new police officers and a $10 million allocation for HIV response.
In the face of all this, we again reiterate the need for vigilance in the war against illicit drugs.
In the rising wave of addiction, we also reiterate the urgent need for rehabilitation centres around the country. We have to also embrace the rising number of HIV cases in our country! And that also is a major concern connected to drug addiction!
We reflect on awareness campaigns and hope these are channelled out to our schools and communities.
There has to be some urgency in dealing with these issues as we focus on fighting drug addiction and the drug trade.
So we look up to the powers that be to lead the way in dealing with the challenges we face right now.
Prof Prasad’s remarks should serve as a reminder that the threat of drugs is not just a law enforcement issue. It is a national emergency that touches every facet of our society.
We must all take responsibility and play our part.
So let’s combine enforcement with compassion, vigilance with education, and awareness with action.
We are dealing with a silent enemy!
Awareness must not be occasional, it must be relentless!
