Economic empowerment in Lau must be driven by local initiative and not over reliance on the Government, says the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
He said villagers must return to productivity through copra, fisheries and community enterprises to build long-term resilience.
“The Government can only assist so far,” he said.
“Real progress happens when we develop our own land and villages through our own means, supported – not led – by the Government.”
Ratu Tevita said current returns on copra were unsustainable.
“The mill-gate price is about $2000 a tonne, but people are getting as little as $500 to $600.
“When you factor in production and freight costs, the returns are too low.
“We’re working on improving productivity, replanting coconuts and better processing methods.”
He said self-reliance must become a central mindset.
“Dependency on government funding does not develop people. We have to stand on our own two feet.”
He also encouraged communities to revive traditional trading and local investment.
“We’ve done this before from the early days. We just need to get it right again,
“Development through our own hands is the best development we can have.”
