Amid growing concerns about the country’s social issues, the vanua o Betoraurau has taken the lead in enforcing strict mandates to prevent them from influencing the vanua.
Na Momo Levu na Tui Sabeto Ratu Viliame Mataitoga said he was committed to addressing the issues of drugs, food security, poverty alleviation, financial empowerment, education quality and the safety of women and children.
“My focus is on the tangible impact I can make for my people,” Ratu Viliame said.
“One of the greatest challenges I face is shifting the mindset of my people, helping them to understand that the solutions to our challenges lie within ourselves.”
Ratu Viliame said that since his installation he had worked to ensure that the people of Sabeto remain resilient in the face of adversity.
“The Bose Vanua has mandated the consumption of kava in the village cease by midnight on Saturdays until 6pm on Sundays.
“The decision was made to encourage my people to attend church services and, more importantly, to spend quality time with their families over Sunday lunch.”
Ratu Viliame said a restriction on vehicles entering the village between 10pm and 5am had also been implemented.
“This measure is aimed at safeguarding the community and preventing the illegal sale and use of drugs, as it mostly occurs during late hours.
“While implementing these initiatives, I remain committed to ensuring we operate within the boundaries of the law.”
Ratu Viliame also expressed support for the enactment of the village bylaws.
“If the vanua Betoraurau can successfully address these pressing social issues, I will speak on behalf of these efforts at other forums, such as provincial meetings and the GCC.
“I acknowledge that one of the major limitations we face in tackling these issues is the lack of a formal legal authority, which is why I strongly support the enactment of village bylaws.
“I am pleased that this topic was discussed at the recent GCC meeting and hope to see further progress in this regard.”
