If the government is unwilling to reinstate corporal punishment and village by-laws, it should instead consider extending Naboro Prison and establishing more rehabilitation centres across the country.
These views were shared by village elder and representative Osea Vutikalutu of Naloto, Tailevu during the public consultations on the Counter Narcotics Bill held at the Police Bure in Korovou.
Vitukalulu is calling on the government to reinstate corporal punishment and reintroduce village by-laws, saying such measures are necessary to restore discipline, particularly among iTaukei children.
The village elders says this is the only solution for our country, especially in the iTaukei community.
He claims that many children today have no boundaries, especially when it comes to abusing drugs and drinking grog.
According to Vitukalulu, young people between the ages of 11 and 18 are now consuming grog freely, which he attributes to the rights granted to them by the government.
He believes this lack of restriction opens the door for young people to experiment with other substances.
He also urged the government to increase police salaries, stating that better pay would help reduce corruption within the police force.
Vitukalulu adds that the solution to the drug problem must start at the community level, warning that the government risks spending millions or even billions of dollars combating drugs when, in his view, the answers are already clear and close at hand.
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