Suva, Fiji — The Minister for Policing and Communications, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, yesterday continued his engagement with church leaders, meeting with the Fiji Baptist Convention (FBC) and Faith Harvest Church, reinforcing the role of faith communities as key partners in Fiji’s fight against illicit drugs and crime.
The Minister was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Livai Driu, who oversee Community Policing and Corporate Projects within the Fiji Police Force.
At the Fiji Baptist Convention gathering, church leaders welcomed the Minister and acknowledged the Government’s deliberate outreach to faith-based organisations. Discussions centred on shared responsibility, values-based leadership, and the importance of partnership in addressing social challenges affecting families and young people.
Speaking on behalf of the Fiji Baptist Convention, Pastor Taniela Qeleni of Unity Baptist Church said the Minister’s visit reflected servant leadership and a clear call for churches to stand together with Government.
“We recognise that this battle cannot be won by Government alone or by churches working in isolation. It can only be won through partnership and unity. As the Fiji Baptist Convention, we are committed to putting aside our differences and joining together to rescue and restore our people,” Pastor Qeleni said.
Minister Naivalurua stated that enforcement alone is not enough, stressing that churches play a critical role in shaping values, strengthening families, and supporting crime prevention efforts at the grassroots level.
The Minister later met with Faith Harvest Church, where discussions focused on the changing nature of the drug threat and the need for a coordinated, frontline response involving the Police, the Military, churches, the vanua, and communities.
Minister Naivalurua highlighted the importance of capacity building within the Fiji Police Force, reviewing areas of responsibility and operations, strengthening community policing, and ensuring that prevention and awareness efforts begin at home.
Faith Harvest Church Pastor Manasa Kolivuso emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among church leaders and greater awareness at all levels of society.
“Church leaders must understand the reality on the ground and work together. Community policing begins at home, and the church has a responsibility to educate our children, youth, and families about the dangers of drugs,” Pastor Kolivuso said.
Minister Naivalurua concluded by calling for unity, vigilance, humility, and shared responsibility, noting that while governments may change, communities remain. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with faith communities to build a safer, healthier, and more resilient Fiji.