The Minister for Policing and Communications, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, today continued his engagements with church leaders, meeting with the President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Reverend Epeli Saukuru, in Lami, and the General Superintendent of the New Methodist Church, Pastor Atu Vulaono, in Toorak.
The visits form part of a broader programme of engagement with faith leaders, following earlier meetings with the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji, as Government strengthens partnerships with churches in support of nation building and community safety.
Hon. Naivalurua was accompanied by the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Community Policing and Corporate Projects, Mr. Livai Driu, and the Fiji Police Force Chaplain, Assistant Superintendent of Police Reverend Joeli Mawi, underscoring the importance of integrating operational policing with pastoral and community-based support.
Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between the Government, the Fiji Police Force, and churches to advance Government’s strategic priorities.
During the meetings, Hon. Naivalurua conveyed Government’s appreciation, on behalf of the Fiji Police Force, for the important role churches continue to play in shaping values, strengthening families, and supporting crime prevention efforts within communities.
Reverend Epeli Saukuru reaffirmed the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s full support for Government and the Fiji Police Force, and its commitment to working collaboratively in promoting positive values, community wellbeing, and national development.
Pastor Atu Vulaono emphasised the importance of character building, noting that lasting change begins with transformed character through the power of the Word of God. He highlighted the church’s role in guiding individuals, families, and especially young people towards positive values and responsible living.
In response, Hon. Naivalurua called for a united national response to the drug challenge.
“I am calling for a united fight against drugs. We need to work hard together to achieve national solidarity,” the Minister said. “Only through unity can we sustain our efforts, with communities standing together. Governments may change, but the community remains.”
The Minister also underscored the need for joint advocacy on illicit drugs, HIV, and crime through church networks, particularly youth groups, as part of a whole-of-community approach to prevention and early intervention.
Hon. Naivalurua reaffirmed that faith communities remain critical partners in building safer and more resilient communities, and confirmed that he will continue engaging church leaders in the coming weeks to strengthen collaboration and align collective efforts with national priorities.