THE people of Vakabuli Village in the district of Vitogo in Lautoka have imposed a taboo on drugs, alcohol and yaqona.
Following a church service earlier this month, the six mataqali that make up the Yavusa Saqele of Vakabuli, Vitogo, agreed there was a need for restrictions for the safety of villagers.
Leading the charge is newly-installed Sau Turaga and the head of the mataqali Botelaki, Ratu Viliame Naulivou who echoed the call for restrictions within villages in the Ba Province.
“The six mataqali representatives of Yavusa Saqele, Vakabuli Village, Tikina Vitogo, Yasana Ba, stand united in declaring ‘no to drugs’,” Ratu Viliame said.
“This united stand brings together village leadership, the Methodist Church of Fiji, the Apostle Gospel Outreach Fellowship, Christian Mission Fellowship, New Way Fellowship, village women’s group and youth representatives.
“We all gathered in solidarity in the presence of the turaga ni koro (village headman) Tevita Vosa affirming our shared commitment to protect our people, our families, and our future generations.
“In full support of the six turaga ni mataqali Botelaki, Tirivi, Buadamanu, Drasa, Cawanisa, Dua and the Momo turaga ni Yavusa Ratu Iliesa Raseru, we stand united as one vanua to say ‘no to drugs’ choosing discipline, faith and protection for our people and future generations.”
He said this also represented the vanua’s rejection of influences that threatened their wellbeing.
“This initiative reflects a collective decision by the vanua, the church, women, and youth to uphold discipline, faith, unity, and responsibility, and to reject all influences that threaten the wellbeing of our community.
“Vakabuli chooses life, order and hope.”
