Drugs will have a devastating effect on our country if we do not say no to it – Prof. Prasad

Drugs is a national scourge, destroying the lives of not only individuals but communities and families, and it will have a devastating effect on our country if we do not say no to it.

This has been highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad while speaking at the closing of the Gold N Water Carnival 2024 in Tavua.

He says the theme of “Educating and Empowering the Wider Community to ‘Say No to Drugs’ is timely and significant.

While commending the contestants, Professor Prasad says our women not only deserve the respect, dignity, space, and support to be part of our national economic and social fabric, but also provide leadership to our communities and people.

He says the contestants are providing leadership and are brave and determined to campaign for no drug use in this country.

Professor Prasad says while the government has put out a national drug and narcotic strategy, it is putting additional focus on the police force and all the agencies.

He says this is to ensure that we stop the spread, use and harm that drugs cause to our communities.

He says wherever around the world we have seen the scourge of drugs, especially hard drugs, we have seen countries, families, and individuals destroyed.

While highlighting the recent launch of the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, Professor Prasad says it focuses on regional development, particularly rural communities, ensuring adequate infrastructure, health, education, roads, and water supply.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the government cannot do everything alone and stressed the importance of partnerships with communities, businesses, NGOs, and local councils.

Professor Prasad added the government has also announced the establishment of a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He says part of the government’s strategy and part of the vision that we have in our development plan, is to take this country forward by uniting our people.

Meanwhile, Tokasa Nadagalu, Miss Tavulevu Village, was crowned Miss Vodafone Gold N Water 2024 at Garvey Park.