GOVERNMENT must increase maritime surveillance, especially around the outer islands to counter drug trafficking, says the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
The call was made during his first Bose Vanua ko Lau since his installation as Tui Nayau, where he raised concerns about unidentified ships and yachts entering Lau waters.
“In Lau, we are concerned about unidentified ships and yachts entering our waters,” he said in an interview with The Fiji Times.
“The Government must increase maritime surveillance, especially around the outer islands.”
Ratu Tevita said while drug trafficking and substance abuse were affecting all provinces, the solutions must begin at home.
“It goes down to the mataqali, the tokatoka, and the family unit.
“Much of the time spent on excessive kava drinking could be put to better use, but these are matters that should be resolved at village and district levels.”
He said family discipline and moral guidance were key to rebuilding community wellbeing.
“We can only address these issues by strengthening family relationships. That is where discipline must begin.”
He also highlighted concern about the spread of HIV on the islands, saying it was part of the wider social impact of rapid development.
“That’s an issue that the whole country is facing at the moment, and it doesn’t spare any of the 14 provinces. Drug use and consumption is also a major concern, and we’ve identified evidence of that within our own islands – HIV as well. So, it’s one of the negative things that come out of our development.”
While acknowledging the role of the Government and enforcement agencies, Ratu Tevita said lasting solutions depended on community effort.
“Lasting change starts at home. We believe we can resolve this ourselves if families and villages work together.”
