THE Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has supported the Cakaudrove Provincial Council’s call for the complete ban of alcohol, home-brew liquor production and consumption of alcoholic beverages in villages within the province.
Council chairman Ratu Jekesoni Yavalanavanua said last week that Ratu Naiqama had initiated the effort in his village of Somosomo, Taveuni, banning the use of home-brewed liquor among his people.
Ratu Jekesoni lauded the move and said it was encouraging to see the paramount chief support the effort.
“We had been rallying for the ban of home-brew production and consumption in the media and at the council meeting this year and it is really good to see our efforts have not been in vain,” he said.
“The need to ban alcohol became urgent when we lost one of our very own mothers after she was stabbed by her husband who was under the influence of home-brew liquor.”
Ratu Jekesoni said the terms of the ban were that those caught manufacturing or consuming home-brew liquor would be given six months to vacate the village.
“The ban does not only apply to home-brew, but any form of alcohol too.
“Drug abuse among our young people is something serious and this kind of stand will remind them that there are repercussions for breaking the rules.”
