Call for citizens to join fight

AN urgent call has been sounded to all parents and community members to join authorities in the fight against drugs.

Ministry of Home Affairs permanent secretary Mason Smith said their resolve was to fight this drug war “head-on” and win.

“For us, we would like to call on the citizens if they have any information that they would like to share, confidentially with us, they know our numbers, they know how to get in touch with us,” he said.

“At the end of the day, it’s our children that are being affected. They are selling drugs, they are taking drugs and very shortly, if you see the statistics from St Giles, it is overflowing. So, it is not only Government’s effort, it’s the whole nation.

“Our parents must be able to be brought on board, our churches, our community leaders. Everyone must come on board and fight this issue. It’s not peculiar to Fiji or the region, it’s something that is happening globally.

“I think the measure of our nation being resilient is our ability to fight this war headon and win.”

He added that Government was also committed to setting up rehabilitation centres

At the end of the day, it’s our children that are being affected. They are selling drugs, they are taking drugs and very shortly, if you see the statistics from St Giles, it is overflowing.

– Home Affairs Ministry PS Mason Smith

in the country to help fight this scourge.

Mr Smith said they were in discussion with partners and donors for their expertise in setting up rehabilitation centres.

“At the moment, St Giles is the only official rehabilitation centre but there are other faith-based organisations that are also assisting with rehabilitation,” Mr Smith said.

“At the end of the day, it’s Government’s responsibility to provide and assist with that aspect of drugs rehabilitation.”