The Tikina of Sanima is the first of the nine tikinas on Kadavu to set up its Crime Prevention Committee as part of efforts by the Fiji Police’s Community Policing operation “Vueti Sauca”.
A team from the Southern Division Community Policing Unit headed by the Divisional Manager Community Policing Superintendent (SP) Ruci Nasemira is currently in Kadavu visiting the nine districts in a bid to set up Crime Prevention Committees.
Operation Vueti Sauca came about following a visit to the Kadavu Provincial Council Office in November 2022 whereby the nine (9) Tikina chiefs expressed their support in setting up Crime Prevention Committees on the island.
This past week the Southern Division Policing team concluded its Crime Prevention Committee Workshop in the Sanima District.
The workshop was officially closed by the Roko Tui Kadavu Mr. Ame Baleitamavua who challenged the newly formed committee to put into practice the lessons learned and to work closely with Police under the Duavata initiative.
"Your appointment is a responsibility to bring change to your respective villagers through the Duavata Community Policing Model", Mr Baleitamavua said.
The final day of the workshop also featured a presentation from the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Kadavu Welfare Officer Ms. Teresia Viana Raliku who stressed on the importance of embracing the social welfare act and having good relationships within their communities.
"Your family is a precious gift and you have responsibilities in looking after their welfare issues and leading the youths to a better future", she said.
Youth Leader Mr. Seremaia Tausi says he was honored to be part of the workshop.
"The youths would like to sincerely thank the Community Policing team from Suva in educating us on the laws and regulations of Fiji. Our group advocates on doing hardwork like farming to earn a respectful living rather than engaging in criminal activities".
"We challenge youths to cultivate more yagona plants and help their family rather than engaging in drugs which spoils the reputation of the family together with the whole village" , he added.
Ratu Josese Lalaniqavoka who is the member of the chiefly family of Drue village acknowledged the visit and thanked the Divisional Community Policing South Team and affirmed their support to the Fiji Police Force.
The closing ceremony also featured Sanima District Chaplin Rev. Simione Momoivalu who blessed the newly committee members.
The Southern Division Policing team will be traveling to the remaining eight (8) tikinas in the coming days.
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