CHURCH leaders are raising concerns that village by-laws aimed at keeping communities drug-free may be worsening the problem if they expel people without support.
Reverend Manasa Kolivuso said while village rules are meant to protect communities, they often fail to address what happens to individuals who are expelled.
“That’s not bad in itself but I think what the village should also look at is, OK you expel this person who is probably dealing with drugs from the village, where to?” he asked.
He shared a case involving a young man who was forced out of his village and ended up living on the streets.
“The young man was expelled from the village, and he had nowhere else to go but to turn to the street.”
He warned that exclusion does not solve the problem and can make it worse.
“You’re not solving the problem. The problem keeps on exacerbating, increasing because the person is on the street, he’s now vulnerable, he’s now using more drugs.”
Mr Kolivuso said communities must look beyond punishment and focus on care and recovery.
“If you expel somebody from the village then the person will not have anywhere to go.”
He said there is a clear gap in support systems and called for structured help.
“That’s probably where the gap is and I think that’s where the vanua should come in and also look at a place where these people can go and be helped because help is what they need.”
Church warns of rehab crisis
REVEREND Manasa Kolivuso has warned that Fiji does not have sufficient rehabilitation facilities to cope with the growing number of people addicted to drugs.
“The crisis in Fiji now has reached a stage where we do not have rehabilitation centres,” he said, noting that existing facilities are overwhelmed.
“St Giles was not meant for this. It is now filled to capacity and cannot handle the current demand.”
Mr Kolivuso emphasised that rehabilitation requires a professional and holistic approach.
“The church can help spiritually, but rebuilding a person is not just spiritual. We need experts who can provide proper rehabilitation.”
He added that youth awareness and education remain important tools.
“We need to let them know the effects of drugs. Awareness alone isn’t enough; every individual has free will, and some still make the wrong choices.”
The church will continue its youth-focused programs, but Mr Kolivuso stressed that long-term solutions depend on establishing proper rehabilitation support across the country.
