Salutation
- The Deputy New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Sam Cox,
- Senior representatives of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
- The Territorial Leaders of The Salvation Army,
- Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
- Distinguished Guests,
- Representatives of Faith-based Organisations and Civil Society,
- Government Officials,
- Members of the Media, and
- Ladies and Gentlemen.
Ni Sa Bula Vina’a and a very good afternoon to you all.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, ki Nadonumai vua na Gone Turaga na Tui Suva and I pay my respects to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and I acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua, We are grateful for their custodianship, which allows us to convene for this important occasion.
Introduction
- It is a great privilege to be here this afternoon to officially open the Salvation Army’s new Alcohol Recovery Programme facility here at Richards Road.
- The significance of this facility cannot be overstated. With the escalating challenges surrounding drug and alcohol abuse, it is vital that we implement pragmatic, timely measures to support our communities.
Drug Trafficking
- Ladies and gentlemen, I understand that most of us present here closely follow the media reports pertaining to the alarming escalation of illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime within our region.
- With over 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025[1] and drug-related cargo sightings along the coastlines of Vanua Levu and the outer islands across the Lauan province, it is increasingly clear that our vast maritime boundaries have become a primary conduit for the illicit drug trade.
- To comprehensively address this geographical challenge there must be an active partnership between our communities, law enforcement, Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations such as the Salvation Army, to provide vital support systems, foster grassroots resilience and offer pathways to recovery and rehabilitation for those affected by the devastating impacts of substance abuse.
- The infiltration of drug abuse across our nation cannot be addressed in isolation. We must look beyond the immediate symptoms and confront the underlying social, economic and mental health challenges that drive our people towards addiction in the first place.
Drug and Alcohol Recovery Programme
- Ladies and gentlemen, the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Programme combine internationally recognised Twelve-Step Recovery Programme with a Positive Lifestyle component that has already achieved encouraging outcomes across the Pacific.
- With capacity for 15 participants at any one time through structured day programmes, this initiative provides another pathway for recovery, while allowing participants to remain connected to their families and communities.
- This programme reflects the very powerful truth that recovery does not happen in isolation. By investing in compassionate, evidence-based rehabilitation, we encourage sustainable life-long healing. An investment in our people is an investment in our families, our communities and an investment into the very future of our nation.
Tripartite Collaboration – Family, School and Community
- Ladies and gentlemen, the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse does not only significantly harm our nation, but its impact affects families, strains relationships and subsequently contributes to the prevalence of crime and violence within our communities.
- The reality reminds us that this crisis requires a stronger collaboration beginning at home, in schools and within our close-knit communities to protect our children, build resilience against the peer pressures of illicit substances and provide accessible, compassionate avenues for rehabilitation and healing.
- I would like to quote a verse from Galatians Chapter 6, Verse 2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ”. Our response systems must therefore be balanced, coordinated and compassionate to welcome those who are ready to build their lives, ensuring they are met with support rather than isolation.
- It requires determination, trust and courage to seek help to address addiction. It is therefore vital that recovery measures are not overshadowed by stigma or judgement, but are instead designed to restore dignity, rebuild self-worth and reassure every individual that their decision to heal is supported by a community that believes in their potential.
- All of us present here today have a shared responsibility to strengthen and protect the very fabric of our communities through active partnerships, ensuring that our collective response to this crisis is rooted in empathy, vigilance and a shared commitment to leaving no one behind.
Development Priorities
- The opening of this facility reflects our conviction that national development is ultimately about people. As Fiji pursues its goal of achieving sustained economic growth of 6 percent annually, we must also invest in the wellbeing, resilience, and potential of our citizens.
- By restoring lives, strengthening families, and enabling productive participation in society, this programme directly supports the aspirations of the National Development Plan and Vision 2050 for a more prosperous, inclusive, and empowered Fiji. This facility also reflects Fiji’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by offering hope, rehabilitation, and a pathway to renewed purpose.
The National Response
- Today’s opening is a tangible demonstration of Fiji’s national response to the illicit drug challenge. Recognising that this issue cannot be addressed through enforcement alone, Government is working towards a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, and community engagement.
- This facility represents an important component of that response, providing a pathway to recovery and renewed purpose for those affected by substance abuse. It stands as a testament to the value of partnership between Government, faith-based organisations, and the wider community in advancing a coordinated and compassionate response to one of the most pressing social challenges facing our nation.
- Today’s opening also reflects Fiji’s vision of an Ocean of Peace, which recognises that enduring security and prosperity are founded upon the wellbeing, resilience, and dignity of our people. By supporting recovery, restoring hope, and strengthening communities, this programme contributes to the social cohesion and human security that underpin a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient society.
The Salvation Army
- As we mark this important occasion, I wish to commend The Salvation Army for its steadfast commitment to serving some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The success of this facility will not be measured solely by the services it provides, but by the lives it transforms, the dignity it restores, and the hope it rekindles.
- In carrying forward this responsibility, I encourage The Salvation Army to continue upholding the highest standards of care, professionalism, accountability, and compassion, ensuring that every individual who enters these premises is treated with respect and afforded a genuine opportunity for recovery and reintegration.
- Government values the vital contribution of faith-based organisations in addressing complex social challenges, and we look forward to working closely with The Salvation Army in advancing our shared objectives of building healthier families, stronger communities, and a more resilient nation. Through your dedication and service, this facility has the potential to become a beacon of hope for those seeking a second chance and a renewed sense of purpose.
Conclusion
- I take this opportunity to sincerely acknowledge the tremendous support by the New Zealand Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in supporting this initiative.
- This partnership is a reflection of the unwavering commitment by the New Zealand Government in strengthening our Duavata Partnership. It signifies a lasting alliance for collaboration to collectively address social challenges that continue to threaten the stability of our families, our communities and our very nation.
- Ladies and gentlemen, let us continue working together to build a more resilient and stronger nation – one where healing is always within reach, where no family is left to struggle in isolation and where every individual is given the grace, the support and the second chance they need to rebuild their lives.
- Let us recognise this milestone as a testament to our collective efforts, acknowledging the unwavering dedication of the Salvation Army, our community leaders and every individual who has laboured tirelessly behind the scenes to turn this vision of healing into a tangible reality for our people.
- On that note, it gives me great pleasure to officially declare the opening of the Salvation Army Drug and Alcohol Recovery Programme facility.
- Vinaka Vakalevu, Thank you and may God bless you all, and may God bless Fiji.
[END]
