Calls for stronger village authority and constitutional reform dominated discussions at the Counter Narcotics Bill public consultation in Tavua, where community leaders voiced frustration over what they see as legal barriers to tackling drug-related offending at the grassroots level.
Village headman Apimeleki Vunisa told the consultation team that traditional leaders were left powerless after a resident was arrested on drug charges. Although the village agreed the individual should be removed to protect the community’s reputation, they were informed eviction could only be enforced through a court order.
He urged lawmakers to amend legislation to grant the Tui Tavua authority to evict those whose actions damage the vanua.
“A father was recently arrested within my village,” Mr Vunisa said, adding community representatives agreed the man’s home be removed after a village meeting. However, they were advised that eviction could only be carried out through a court order.
“We were told that we don’t have the authority to evict a person from the village unless it was court ordered.”
In response, consultant Biu Matavou outlined the constitutional constraints shaping the issue. He explained that while the 1997 Constitution recognised customary law, the 2013 Constitution removed specific provisions governing it and placed stronger emphasis on individual rights, limiting the enforceability of village bylaws. Mr Matavou acknowledged that similar concerns had been raised nationwide.
While broad reinstatement of customary powers remains legally complex, he said the committee is considering proposing “protected zone” provisions to legally recognise villages and schools in the context of drug prevention, balancing community protection with constitutional safeguards.
