Ethical leadership and transparency critical in fight against drugs – Serevi

Insert: defensive line collapse 25th Feb 26

Serevi says supply reduction is not only about policing and border security, but also about moral courage, anti-corruption commitment and community vigilance.

He stresses that transparent and accountable leadership must be demonstrated by national policymakers, provincial leaders, village chiefs, pastors, school principals, coaches and parents.

Serevi says if leaders fail to act decisively, criminal networks will fill the gap.

He describes illicit drugs as a form of hybrid warfare, saying narcotics can systematically erode the core pillars of a sovereign state from within.

He says drugs steal clarity of mind, strength of body, stability of families and integrity of leadership.

Serevi says when the damage occurs at scale, it becomes a national crisis rather than an individual problem.

He warns that Fiji’s greatest resource is not gold, fisheries or tourism, but its people.

According to Serevi, when drugs infiltrate communities, youth lose educational focus, families fracture, crime increases and health systems come under pressure.

He says human capital declines, and with it the nation’s competitive edge — economically, morally and spiritually.

Serevi says even if narcotics are driven by profit, their large-scale distribution has strategic consequences, including youth incapacitation, economic destabilisation and social fragmentation.

He cautioned that weakened societies become vulnerable societies.

Serevi outlined three key responses — demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.

On demand reduction, he highlighted the role of rugby academies, churches and schools in providing structured, value-based environments for young people.

He says at the Serevi International Rugby Academy, the focus goes beyond passing and tackling to teaching discipline, respect, self-control and accountability.

Serevi says drugs often fill a vacuum of identity and belonging, and strong institutions such as sport, faith communities and schools can provide young people with purpose.

On harm reduction, he emphasised rehabilitation, counselling and reintegration for those already affected.

Referencing the Gospel of John, he says condemnation should not be the final word for those who have fallen, but compassion must be balanced with accountability.

Serevi says this is not only a government issue, but a vanua issue, a church issue, a family issue, a school issue and a sport issue.

Serevi is urging renewed national commitment to protect Fiji’s children and youth, warning that if illicit drugs erode human capital, undermine sovereignty and weaken social cohesion, the country’s response must be equally strategic and coordinated.