Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, the paramount chief of Fiji’s Namosi province, has declared a strict stance against drug-related activities, vowing to ban offenders from entering the province.
“The vanua (province) plays a huge role in driving the awareness of drugs in villages, and if the vanua is not strong, then the people will be weak,” Ratu Suliano told fijivillage.com.
Speaking at the Great Council of Chiefs meeting in Suva, he detailed the damage drugs inflict on communities and emphasized his vision to make Namosi drug-free within three to five years.
The chief also stressed accountability, stating that parents must take responsibility for their children. “After the person leaves the province, then he will talk to the parents because everything starts from home,” he said.
Ratu Suliano highlighted his personal awareness of the harm caused by drugs and called for unity in tackling the crisis.