THE window to act on Fiji’s drug crisis is closing, says Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
While sending out a warning to Government that if it continued to neglect communities facing the drug crisis, Ratu Tevita called for the urgent convening of the National Security Council to discuss and agree on an immediate response.
“If a package of drugs meant for Australia ends up on a Fijian beach, what do the people of our maritime provinces actually gain from our security pact with Australia under the Vuvale Partnership?” asked the Tui Nayau.
“We carry the risk while others take the reward.
“No forum at the Grand Pacific Hotel will keep drugs off the beaches of our islands in Lau – only practical, funded, community-led action will.”
Ratu Tevita said Government should equip and empower villagers to stand guard and watch over their shores.
“We are seafarers. We know our seas and our weather like the back of our hands.
“Empower us to use that knowledge.
“This is, above all, a national security issue and it calls not for another forum but for the National Security Council to meet urgently and agree on an immediate response.
“Our national security structures and systems have been tested severely and found wanting.
“The growing regularity of these washups is a direct challenge and threat to our joint security operations against drugs.
“Fiji could be breeding a new generation of drug dealers.”
The Tui Nayau warned that if communities facing this crisis were continued to be ignored, their future generations could turn to the illicit drug trade.
“Tolerance and patience have their limits,” he said.
“As a chief with responsibilities to my people, I am issuing a direct warning – if Government continues to neglect our communities in the face of this crisis, the day will come when our own youth realise the true worth of these finds.
“Through that gross negligence, we will have bred an entirely new generation of drug dealers.”
He added the crisis demanded a whole of society response.
Questions sent to the Prime Minister and chairman of the National Security Council Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
