Prasad warns of Fiji drug crisis during carnival – FBC News

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Vodafone GoldWater Carnival in Tavua last night, repeatedly emphasised the urgent need to tackle Fiji’s drug problem.

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the carnival organiser for making the theme of the event a message saying “no” to drugs.

Prasad says drugs destroy not only individuals but also communities and families, and that if people do not say no to drugs now, it will have disastrous consequences for the country.

He says the government is taking urgent action to tackle the drug problem.

“The Government, while it has set out a national drugs strategy, is putting extra pressure on the police and all agencies to make sure we stop the spread, use and harm that drugs cause to our communities.”

The Deputy Prime Minister addressed the youth, saying that it is not too late to get out of the drug trap if they are already involved in drug use and trafficking.

Prasad also took time to thank the participants for spreading the word about drug control and other social issues during the week-long celebrations.

The Deputy Prime Minister also called for an end to violence against women, girls and children.

It argues that women, children and girls deserve respect, dignity, space and support to be part of our national economic and social fabric, and to exercise leadership roles in our communities.