To all young people, and especially to all the fathers and mothers out there who have children—this is your wake-up call.

The Vanuatu Police Force has started taking serious action in Luganville to address a growing issue among our youth—a behaviour commonly known on the streets as “Joss.” Police officers are now going door to door, picking up youths involved in this kind of reckless behaviour and bringing them to the station—not to punish them, but to teach them respect.

These are not isolated cases. We’re talking about kids—some as young as early teens—roaming the streets, following behind moving police vehicles, and shouting vulgar phrases like “F* da police!”** The same kind of messages have even been found spray-painted on public walls.

Let’s be real: if you’re one of those young people involved in this, change your ways now. Because if the police catch you or your group, it won’t help to say:

• “It wasn’t me!”
• “He’s not here!”
• “I didn’t do it!”

Everyone caught on the streets gets taken to the station—standing in their boxers, soaking wet from sweat or water, and often on the receiving end of a hard lesson.

Parents, Where Are You?

When the police confront these kids, some of the most common excuses we hear from parents are:

“We were asleep.”
“We didn’t know our son/daughter was out late.”
“They told us they were just visiting a friend.”

That’s not good enough anymore.

Parents, it’s your job to monitor your children. If your child is walking around town at midnight with nothing to do, if they’re part of a group acting like they own the streets, then you are responsible too.

Port Vila, Be Ready—You’re Next

This isn’t just about Luganville. The warning is clear: Port Vila is next. Police will soon start taking the same kind of action in the capital.

So, fathers—don’t be too relaxed. Mothers—start talking to your children now. Sit them down. Ask them where they’re going, who they’re hanging out with, and what kind of choices they’re making.

Because if we don’t correct this now, we’re not just failing as parents—we’re allowing our future generation to grow up without discipline, without respect, and without direction.

Let’s Take Responsibility

This isn’t just a police issue. It’s a community issue. It’s a parenting issue. The change starts in our homes. Let’s raise young men and women who have purpose, who show respect, and who represent Vanuatu with pride—not shame.

The time to act is now!