Three more high chiefs from the West have joined landowners who want Government to consult them before making any changes to legislation affecting native land.
The traditional leaders join a chorus of provincial chiefs who have spoken out against the proposed Bill 17, which seeks to amend Section 12 of the iTaukei Land Trust Board Act.
The chiefs, together with a landowners’ association on Vanua Levu, have called for more consultation and awareness on the impact of the Bill, saying they were not influenced to speak against something that is “sacred to us”.
Nadroga’s paramount chief, Na Kalevu Ratu Tevita Nabekwahiga Makutu, said land was a form of social and customary identity to the iTaukei community and must not be used as a form of political and economic mileage.
He said he spoke on behalf of the 22 districts that come under his traditional leadership when he questioned the motive of the Bill.
He said he was gravely disappointed “at the intent of the FijiFirst party Government by virtue of Bill No. 17 of 2021, to remove the consent and approval of TLTB in certain land dealing matters”.
“The objectives of the Bill in short are aimed to remove the veto powers of the TLTB under Section 12 of the iTaukei Land Trust Act from certain land dealings.
“This effectively removes the power of TLTB to monitor, process and approve certain transactions on itaukei land.
“In doing so, this renders the board ineffective to properly discharge its statutory powers and fiduciary duties to act for the beneficial interests of the current generations of the iTaukei community, more importantly including those yet to be born.”
Tui Tavua Ratu Nacanieli Nauqeuqe said they were not influenced and would not back down from their stand that Government needed to consult landowners first.
Tui Vuda Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia and Tui Sabeto Ratu Tevita Susu Mataitoga said they had pleaded with the iTaukei Affairs Minister and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to heed the pleas of landowners.
Questions sent to the Prime Minister’s office and iTaukei Affairs Minister on the chiefs’ requests have remained unanswered.
