The Fiji Times’ March 11, 2025, edition covers three main stories: the Attorney-General’s commitment to constitutional adherence, the progress on a Code of Conduct Bill for public officials, and a tragic explosion in Nausori. Additionally, there is an emphasis on the Methodist Church’s recognition of drug abuse among children, highlighting the urgent need for rehabilitation centers and community action to combat this crisis.
On March 11, 2025, three significant stories were featured on the front page of The Fiji Times. First, Attorney-General Graham Leung assured the public that any review of the Constitution will strictly adhere to legal standards without any intention to bypass or circumvent existing laws. Next, the Government announced the progress of the Code of Conduct Bill, aimed at establishing clear standards for public officials and addressing constitutional requirements that were initially introduced in 2018 but had lapsed.
Tragically, a recent explosion at the Ministry of Fisheries Office in Wainibokasi, Nausori resulted in one fatality and left two individuals in critical condition. From the business sector, Merchant Finance Pte Limited introduced a new land subdivision loan product expected to yield profit margins of 30 to 50 percent for developers, explained CEO Veilawa Rereiwasaliwa.
The Methodist Church in Fiji has acknowledged the rising issue of drug abuse among children, many of whom come from Methodist families. The Reverend Dr. Jolami Lasawa, during the Fathers’ Sunday service, stressed the pivotal role of fathers in safeguarding children from these detrimental influences. He emphasized the necessity for a nationwide effort to educate both parents and youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
Moreover, Mr. Lasawa highlighted, “One of the biggest challenges we face today is the issue of drugs and HIV.” The church is dedicated to collaborating with NGOs and law enforcement to combat this crisis and continues to offer support to affected families. The urgency to establish adequately resourced rehabilitation centers for recovering addicts has been noted by Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, who declared an official HIV outbreak in January, reporting 1,093 new cases and 115 related deaths in the first nine months of 2024.
The lack of rehabilitation facilities exacerbates the problem for individuals desiring to quit drug use. Advocates have called for increased discussions surrounding drug abuse and its repercussions on lives and communities. It is crucial that stakeholders work together to address this significant public health issue with education and awareness as integral components in the fight against drug abuse. The commitment by the church is commendable, as acknowledging the problem is the first step towards effective action.
The recent articles in The Fiji Times underscore critical issues affecting Fiji, including constitutional adherence, public governance, and the pressing drug abuse crisis. The Government’s progress on the Code of Conduct Bill reflects a commitment to transparency, while the Methodist Church’s recognition of drug-related challenges highlights the urgent need for community and institutional action. Furthermore, the alarming rise in HIV cases calls for immediate establishment of rehabilitation services, emphasizing that dedicated, collective efforts are essential in combating these escalated public health crises.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
