Minister for Defence opens national security symposium in Labasa
The Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has noted with grave concern the gradual rise in sexual crime and drugs during his three days tour of Northern Division.
He revealed this during the opening of the Labasa National Crime Board Symposium at Kshatriya hall in Labasa yesterday.
Mr Kubuabola said the crime statistics shows 30 percent increase in sexual crime recorded for the Northern Division.
“The root causes derives from constant exposure of our children through watching television, surfing the internet and unattended supervision by parents,” Mr Kubuabola said.
“In most cases nuclear families are perpetrators of this heinous crime.
“Perpetrators of crime are getting smarter and fearless.
“This symposium literally reasserts our belief, reaffirms our spirit and of course maps the way forward to practically fight crime in our respective neighbourhoods,” he said to the crime prevention committees gathered from all over Northern Division. “Gone are the days where Police is in-charge to fight crime alone.
“Our envisaged collaborative effort would no doubt re-establish confidence and trust between communities and the Fiji Police Force.
“Crime has significant personal, social and economic impacts on our communities,” he said.
“It has literally torn the social fabric of society instilling fear and distrust.
“Even in our respective families, the trust and respect between father and daughter no longer lingers exposing our children to a more vulnerable state.
“The world is changing drastically through globalisation and liberalisation.
“Their ripple effect has on the flipside aided an undercurrent of criminal activities known today as trans-border crimes.
“Over the years, technology has revolutionised our society which has changed the way we think and live.
“Whilst the internet enhances our service delivery to the public, it has created a more dynamic environment for education but on the other end it exposes our vulnerable children to sex exploitation and pornographic material.” Meanwhile, Lavena village crime prevention committee headman Iosefo Golea of Taveuni Island said the one day symposium was very useful for him.
“I came to know about the kinds of crime very common in Northern Division and as I reflect to my committee I have realised that we need to educate our people on crime prevention,” Mr Golea said.
“In a few weeks’ time we will form Wainikeli District Crime Prevention Committee in Taveuni.
“The district consists of nine villages and 23 settlements.
“Hence, it is very important to fight crime collectively which I have learnt in this symposium.”