On March 11, The Fiji Times reported on constitutional assurances, the Code of Conduct Bill, and a tragic explosion. The Methodist Church recognized rising drug abuse among youth, stressing community collective action against this crisis, particularly as HIV cases surge. The need for more rehabilitation centers was emphasized to address addiction and its impacts.
On March 11, The Fiji Times highlighted three major stories. Attorney-General Graham Leung assured the public that any reviews or amendments of the Constitution will strictly comply with existing laws, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uphold constitutional integrity. Additionally, the Government is progressing with the Code of Conduct Bill, which was initially proposed in 2018 but lapsed, aiming to enhance governance by instituting clear standards for public officials’ conduct.
In a tragic event, an explosion at the Ministry of Fisheries Office in Wainibokasi, Nausori resulted in one death and left two individuals in critical condition. In business news, Merchant Finance Pte Limited announced a new land subdivision loan product, which is expected to yield a 30 to 50 percent profit margin for developers. CEO Veilawa Rereiwasaliwa commented on the decision to pursue this venture despite the perceived risks by commercial banks.
The Methodist Church in Fiji has recognized the growing issue of children affected by drug abuse, with many originating from Methodist families. During a recent service, Reverend Dr. Jolami Lasawa stressed the essential role of fathers in guiding their children’s futures and the necessity of collective efforts to address this national crisis. Urging for empowerment for parents and young people regarding the dangers of drug abuse, he noted: “One of the biggest challenges we face today is the issue of drugs and HIV.”
The church vowed to collaborate with NGOs, law enforcement, and other faiths to combat this pressing issue. Presently, the situation is alarming, as recent figures show a dramatic rise in HIV cases. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu announced an outbreak in January, with over 1,000 new cases reported in just nine months.
Despite the escalating crisis, the lack of adequately resourced rehabilitation centers hampers recovery efforts. Advocates have been calling for urgent establishment of such facilities to help those desiring to quit drug use. Increasing the number of rehabilitation centers might even aid in reducing drug-related crimes. There is a pressing need for ongoing discourse around drug abuse, as it significantly affects lives, families, and communities.
The Fiji Times’ March 11 edition underlines significant issues, from constitutional assurances regarding the Code of Conduct Bill to pressing public health crises related to drug abuse and HIV. The Methodist Church’s recognition of drug-related challenges among youth highlights the importance of community awareness and action. As these stories unfold, the urgent need for enhanced support infrastructures, such as rehabilitation centers, becomes even more critical for combating the epidemic of drug addiction and associated health issues.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
