Community Awareness continue in Kadavu

The Community Policing team led by the Divisional Police Commander Southern Division Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pita Keni continues their Community Awareness in Kadavu specifically in villages and districts regarded as Red Zones due to the high volume of illegal drugs seized during special drug operations.

"Kadavu is known for its well educated people, yaqona and dalo farms in the past, however these days when one mentions Kadavu, the initial response is marijuana which should not be the case", said SSP Keni.

"Am hoping that this generation will bring back what Kadavu is known for in the past".

With the theme “ RAILESUVA NOMU I TEKITEKIVU’’, the intent of the Outreach is to focus on educating and empowering the community of Kadavu to work in partnership with the Fiji Police and Government stakeholders to eradicate the illegal cultivation of marijuana which has now become a major issue on the island.

Also part of the Awareness is the Ministry of I-Taukei Affairs, Government Stakeholders in Kadavu, Kadavu Provincial Council representatives, various Church representatives for a holistic collaborative engagement approach to address issues of concern on the island.

The team heard from various community leaders on some of the measures adopted to curb the illegal drug cultivation on the island.

These include the setting up of village committees to monitor the activities of youth groups and anyone involved in any form of illegal activity will be dealt with through appropriate means.

Some have also indicated that those who are not from the said village and involved in any illegal activity would be asked to leave while some have engaged civil society groups to assist with youth related activities such as sports.

A move that is being adopted by Soso Village headman Joseva Senikau who said they are checking on all those residing at the Yavulu and the Naivakacuru border in Soso, Naceva in Kadavu Mr Senikau says they have received information of some who may be residing illegally on their land and may be involved in the cultivation and the sale of illicit drugs.

He reassured the Community Policing team that a meeting will be arranged with the elders in the village together with youths to discuss some of the actions that will be taken if anyone is found guilty and involved in the illegal drug trade.