Pubdate: Mon, 30 Nov 2009
Source: Fiji Times (Fiji)
Copyright: 2009 Fiji Times Limited
Contact:  http://www.fijitimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3445
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

VILLAGERS CHOOSE TO BANISH FARMERS, USERS

ANY villager found with marijuana or selling the drug  will be exiled
from the district of Wainunu, Bua, but  only after being dealt with by
Fijian warlords.

This is a stern warning from Tui Wainunu Ratu Orisi  Baleitavea, who
believes it's time that chiefs and  their people stand up to fight
against the illicit drug  problem in society.

Known as the red zone in Bua, Wainunu district is a  popular marijuana
spot that police officers have  continuously raided in the past.

The decision to exile any villager found dealing or  cultivating
marijuana has been agreed to by all village  reps, including the
minority group who live in the  district

Ratu Orisi said although it has been difficult to find  anyone dealing
in or cultivating marijuana, his  decision as high chief was firm and
nothing would  change that.

He said any villager found guilty would be taken to  task in their
respective village meetings and  traditionally dealt with by chiefly
warlords.

This would include spanking and other disciplinary  measures before
being exiled.

Ratu Orisi said they have uprooted marijuana plants  found in farms
and forests of Wainunu.

He said the drug cultivation in his district has to  stop and such
vanua laws would be enforced to deal with  culprits and put an end to
drug problems.

Ratu Orisi said a lot of problems have been caused by  drug users,
including criminal activities which  affected innocent people.

"For the sake of security and a better future for our  people, we will
take this stand and ensure that it is  followed. It's time we rise up
and stop drug problems  in our society," Ratu Orisi said.

This is the second district in the Northern Division  that has decided
to exile villagers found with the  drug.

The first was Wailevu Village in Tunuloa, Cakaudrove.  The village
elders had decided two months ago to exile  any villager found with
marijuana.

Tunuloa has also been a hotspot drug cultivation area  in the
province. 
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