Village pledge support

The Tikina of Yale in Kadavu has pledged its support in working with the Fiji Police Force to eliminate the illegal drug trade in their district.

The commitment was made by the Tui Nabou Aminiasi Waqanivalu who spoke on behalf of the Tui Yale, whereby the four villages of Rakiraki, Naioti, Levuka, Gasele and Nauciwai have pledged to support the work of Police.

Mr Waqanivalu says previously youths were not always present at such outreach programs, but has noted a change in reception and has urged the visiting team to continue the momentum as they need to keep youths engaged and informed of issues that affect them.

He assured the visiting team of the support of the vanua as it would take a collaborative approach to achieve the desired outcome of eradicating and minimizing the cultivation and trade of marijuana on the island.

Meanwhile ITaukei Affairs Ministry Lands Assistant Commissioner Kelepi Curuki has called on traditional leaders to preserve and uphold the traditional roles as it will assist in improving good governance in villages.

Majority of those arrested and charged during the drug operations in Kadavu are in their twenties and deemed to be productive members of respective villages.

Mr Curuki said, “If all iTaukei’s residing in village settings uphold their traditional roles, it will safeguard and preserve law and order, preserve the way of life within communal settings and assist their people in making the right decisions”.

Echoing similar sentiments was the Divisional Police Commander South Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pita Keni who said, “Nothing is impossible and we can still eradicate the cultivation of drugs and other illegal activities”.

“What is happening today will impact Kadavu’s future generation and we need to work together if we are to change the negative reputation that is synonymous with our island”.