President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu says the law on native land is essential in the economically productive sectors of tourism, sugar and agriculture, and the establishment of cities and towns.
Ratu Naiqama told the Attorney-General’s Conference in Nadi the native land law issue was a taboo topic at one point in time.
“Land is deeply tied to identity, heritage, wellbeing, and more importantly, national development,” he told participants.
“The examination of colonial legacies, institutional mandates, reversionary rights or principles, lease arrangements, and economic realities later this morning is to be commended.”
Ratu Naiqama said it was their responsibility to ensure a governance framework that “protects customary ownership of land and the prosperity and participation of landowners while enabling all communities and the nation to prosper”.
“The principle of free and prior-informed consent, the requirement for effective consultation, is crucial to the reform of our laws on native land.
“Once again, the Attorney-General must work closely with the Great Council of Chiefs in this regard.
“We cannot run two parallel governments at any point in time, but we need to position our Great Council of Chiefs properly, legally, to ensure their continuing support in whatever government of the day comes to govern.
“The principle of free, prior-informed consent, and the requirement for effective consultation is crucial.”
