Minister for ITaukei Affairs, Ifireimi Vasu has called on individuals to show maturity when speaking about native land issued.
His comments come following Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh’s criticism of ITaukei Lands and Trust Board on Saturday in Labasa where he alleged TLTB staff were discouraging farmers from planting cane by suggesting their cane leases would not be renewed.
Mr Vasu said since 2022, TLTB has undertaken extensive consultations with both landowners and tenants to build awareness and foster mutual understanding.
“This is especially critical given that the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA) provides no legal guarantee of lease renewal,” he said.
“The intention is to ensure fairness and balance, respecting both the rights of landowners to reclaim and develop their land, and the legitimate expectations of tenants to be kept well informed.”
Mr Vasu added from 2020 to 2024, a total of 798 leases expired, out of which 313 were renewed, 191 were returned to landowners for their use and support, and 30 were converted for higher and better use.
From 2025 to 2035, 3,834 leases are set to expire. To date, 166 of these have been renewed, 162 reverted to landowners, and 20 have been converted to alternative uses.
‘Given the deeply rooted cultural and economic significance of land to the iTaukei people, it is essential that public commentary on land-related matters be conducted with care, accuracy, and responsibility.”
“Statements that misrepresent the facts risk undermining trust, inciting unnecessary alarm, and disrupting efforts to build constructive and respectful dialogue between landowners and tenants.”
“I therefore call on all stakeholders to engage in this conversation with maturity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to ensuring the sustainable and equitable use of native land in the best interests of landowners, tenants, and the broader economy.”
