𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The final day of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) meeting held at the Vale ni Bose in Draiba yesterday concluded with the adoption of key recommendations tabled by traditional leaders during breakout sessions. 

Chiefs canvassed issues of concern in their three confederacy or Matanitu Vanua groupings — Kubuna, Burebasaga, and Tovata—and presented the outcomes of their group discussions.

In his remarks, the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, addressed critical issues such as land ownership, indigenous rights, legal reform, and environmental stewardship.

Discussions during the two-day meeting covered several key topics, including the Fiji Pine Trust, the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB), the Native Land Trust Act, the Native Lands Act, and the authority vested in the two reserves commissioners under these laws.

President Lalabalavu revisited the origins of the Fiji Pine industry, noting that it was established by the Alliance Government led by the late Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. He explained that the development was developed with New Zealand aid support and did not generate profits in its early years. The Fiji Pine Trust was then established to allow landowners to participate in and benefit from the scheme.

The Head of State went on to clarify overlapping legal responsibilities under the Native Lands Act and the Native Land Trust Act, particularly regarding the roles of the two Reserve Commissioners established under the two laws.

A major concern raised by the Burebasaga Confederacy was the consistency of VKB registration, especially for iTaukei children born overseas. Under an earlier policy, such children were automatically registered in the VKB.

To address indigenous grievances and provide legal clarity, the Head of State proposed the establishment of a Tribunal tasked to oversee the Deed of Cession rights. A sub-committee of the BLV was established to look further into this proposal.

In concluding his remarks, the President thanked the Chiefs and encouraged them to reflect deeply on the issues raised, urging them to work collectively toward a legal and cultural framework that promotes prosperity, clarity, and dignity for all.

 

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