A drinking session that turned fatal between two brothers in Safa’i Savaii has reinvented the call to ban the manufacturing of the local spirit, namely Rover Vodka.
The latest call comes from Logoipuiali’i Youth Organisation and local Pastor Eric Poe.
This is in addition to numerous appeals by the Justices of the Supreme Court expressing the same concerns over this specific alcoholic drink whereas the majority of those consuming the vodka do not recall their actions.
Supreme Court Justice Tologatā Leilani Tuala-Warren since 2020 warned that the excessive consumption of rover leads to unrecognisable actions and urged the relevant authorities to do something about it.
Two years later, Rover Vodka continues to be blamed as the source of unbecoming behaviour.
Last week, as first reported by Radio Polynesia a man allegedly killed his brother in relation to a rover drinking session.
Pastor Poe supports the call to ban Rover Vodka or increase the prices of these locally made spirits noting that is easy access to the young people.
“It doesn’t take a genius to differentiate the alcohol volume when comparing the local spirits from the beer and the Government needs to take action now. “
The Rover Vodka is a product of the Pacific Rainbow Liquor Company Ltd, owned by Wu Wei.
Radio Polynesia made repeated efforts, including a visit to the compound, emails and calls on the registered numbers, but have been unsuccessful as of press time.
Logopuiali'i Organisation says the tragic incident has no doubt had a devastating impact on the family who has not only lost a young life but another is charged with murder.
"There have been many previous incidents which can be linked directly to the consumption of this and other locally manufactured spirits. Such incidents have led to acts of violence, domestic abuse, road and traffic accidents, break ins, robberies and unnecessary injury and deaths. No doubt there are many more events which go unreported."
Chairman of the Liquor Board, Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Ponifasio said there are a number of factors that go into making such a decision, but rest assured the Liquor board will now be investigating this matter.
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The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged the concerns raised but said, shutting down the manufacturing companies is not the answer.
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