Amid the growing issue of drug abuse across Fiji, the headman of Nauluvatu Village, Nemani Bigitibau, says that youth in the village have lost control over their rights and responsibilities, and both parents and village leaders are struggling to guide them.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Bigitibau, who has served as the village headman for five years, expressed deep concern over the increasing influence of drugs, not only on young people but also among adults.
He acknowledges the Tailevu Provincial Council for raising awareness on this issues.
In five years as village headman, he has witnessed how drugs are damaging the community and it’s not just about the addiction, it’s leading to wider social issues, including abuse of women.
He says that while the village has held numerous meetings to counsel the youth and educate them on the dangers of drug use, their efforts have reached a limit.
He further says the village council can only do so much through counseling and they now plan to escalate the matter to the relevant authorities.
The village leadership is calling for stronger intervention from law enforcement and social support services to curb the growing crisis.
