Mums initiate fight against hard drugs

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Mothers and supporters of the Ministry for Mums attend their first event yesterday at the Fiji Museum. Picture: JONA KONATACI

WITH the increase in seizure of hard drugs on Fiji’s streets, a group of mothers — known as the “Ministry of Mums” — has taken it upon themselves to steer children and the community away from the illicit drug trade.

The group met for the first time at the Fiji Museum in Suva yesterday for a “Meth Awareness Picnic”.

Organiser Ellana Kalounisiga said the illicit drug trade was growing by the day in the country and they thought they could assist the Fiji Police Force by being proactive in raising awareness about the worrying issue.

“The Ministry of Mums is a group of concerned mums and citizens of Fiji coming out in the fight against drugs,” she said.

“Our goal, which was identified today, is to firstly create awareness among youths by getting out into the community and sharing information. The second goal that we have is to set up a dropping centre and we’d love to look at supporting someone to set up a rehab centre for Fiji.

“It’s all about a group of mums who care about the future generation and who care greatly about the influx of meth into Fiji.”

She said the group wanted to work towards eradicating the issue after seeing the outcomes of the abuse of hard drugs in other neighbouring countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

“There is no greater force on this planet than a group of mums protecting their kids and our kids’ future.”

Mrs Kalounisiga is also pleading with other mothers and fathers to also join them in the fight and be part of the movement.

“We will keep going, keep raising awareness and keep fighting against hard drugs in Fiji.

“It’s obviously a great concern to the mums. Today (yesterday) we discussed ways in which we can support each other to reduce the demand of hard drugs in Fiji.

“We are a community of citizens who are trying to do something positive for the next generation.”

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho earlier told this newspaper that the issue of hard drugs was a “never-ending” fight for them.

“The thing to think about is what our children will be exposed to and what will our grandchildren be exposed to,” he told this newspaper earlier this year.

“That’s why we will be coming out hard on drugs this year because the links to other criminal activities are clear from what we have analysed.”

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