20th March, 2019 TONGAN Two representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) are currently in Nuku’alofa, to conduct a four-day consultations based on drafting a National Policy for Tonga to combat against Illicit Drugs.
PIFS’s Political Issues Adviser, Mr. ‘Alifeleti Soakai in a press conference yesterday afternoon at Fa’onelua Convention Center said, that they were invited by the Tongan Government to assist in drafting of a National Policy to combat against the issues of Illicit Drugs especially the usage of methamphetamine.
“This issue is very vital because it does not only take place here in Tonga but it is also an issue across the Pacific Island Countries. The only way to defy it, is for everyone in society to work together. This is when our mission stand out, we promote an inclusive regional public policy approach to arrive at proposals for Leaders’ to consider and endorse. This is to assist Pacific Island Countries in combating issues such as climate change, corruption and also collaboration between us and trades and tourism organisations”
He also stated that in particular the reason they are here to carry out these consultations with all stakeholders and members from society through fact findings or scoping mission and report back with suggested way forward for the Tongan Government.
“It will take approximately 4 months to work on the report but we can come again upon request from the Government of Tonga. Generally, the rule of law still prevails, we are only here to support and assist through advising the government with policies for the people to follow. The viewpoints from the public regarding this issue will be captured together with the government’s strategies to ensure an accurate and balance outcome that is achievable.
The consultations will last Friday this week.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.