The Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Mara has called on the Government, vanua and church leaders to unite against the escalating drug crisis.
He described the recent drug busts around the country as a threat that endangers the future of youths in this country.
In a statement, Ratu Tevita inaction was no longer an option.
“A comprehensive government Strategy and Action Plan is imperative to safeguard all Fijians and restore hope for our young people,” he said.
“The rising wave of drug-related offences threatens the foundation of our communities and endangers the future of our youth.
“We must adopt a whole-of-nation approach. Our youths are being enticed into illegal activities due to socio-economic challenges including poverty, lack of education and rising unemployment.”
Ratu Tevita said Fiji must establish clear pathways to employment and integrate drug awareness into the educational curriculum from primary school onwards.
If this does not happen, he said we’d risk losing an entire generation to the allure of crime.
“We require a holistic community approach that also includes our culture and way of life.
“Our youths must be helped to reconnect with their vanua, understand their identity, and embrace their culture and values. “Utilising traditional leadership through vuvale, tokatoka, mataqali, and yavusa can play a critical role in this effort. I applaud the efforts of organisations such as YADRA and many others in this regard, who are helping and rehabilitating our marginalised youths.”
