The monthly $100 allowance for tribal leaders introduced by the Coalition Government this year is a double-edged sword for the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
While it has filled in vacant traditional positions within villages, it has also become a cause for disputes.
Ministry of iTaukei Affairs permanent secretary for Pita Tagicakirewa said they were yet to receive a formal notification of dispute.
His comment came after this newspaper received reports of some villages in the North disputing whether the $100 allowance was to be shared by tribe members or solely for the tribal leaders.
In the event that any official reports are brought to their attention, Mr Tagicakirewa said, they would be directed to the iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission for appropriate review and action.
“But, we are aware of the conversations on social media regarding the $100 allowance for turaga ni yavusa or tribal leaders and its potential to cause disputes within villages,” he said.
“These discussions have come to our attention informally. We have yet to receive any formal notification of such disputes.”
Following the reintroduction of the allowance by the Government, Mr Tagicakirewa said, there had indeed been notable progress in addressing vacant positions.
“The iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission has confirmed the filling of 205 previously vacant positions,” he said.
He said this suggests the allowances had played a positive role in encouraging the filling of these important positions within the communities.
