The Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana Ko Ba has announced plans to establish a pearl farming project in the Yasawa Group as part of its expanding development agenda.
Nadi district representative and retired secondary school teacher Asinate Dawai revealed the proposal during an interview at the organisation’s recent annual general meeting at Tanoa Waterfront in Lautoka.
“The discussion at the AGM was mainly on a number of projects which we have been working on,” she said.
“Such as the education project, farming project and our future plans for pearl farming which would be done in the Yasawas.”
Ms Dawai said she was proud of the organisation’s progress, particularly as it moved into the new year.
“I am very happy and also like the rest of the other members who represent the 21 districts, they are very happy of where our Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana Ko Ba is moving on to especially as we are about to embark on the 2026 year.
“I have been chosen by the board of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama ni Tikina (district) of Nadi to represent the tikina to the board meeting and to the AGM for the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana Ko Ba.
“And from this AGM, we are going to convey the information to district levels and village levels in our province of Ba.”
Ms Dawai said district representatives need to undergo training to support the organisation’s rapid growth.
“Because, from my personal view, I see the way the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana Ko Ba is heading, they are going very fast and they are extending on a wider horizon.
“They are moving and I feel there’s a communication breakdown with the mata ni tikina (district rep).
“I have asked them today to conduct training, so that they tell us the expectation of the office from us the mata ni tikina.
“So that we work together in partnership for the rapid growth in which the organisation is taking part in, and they are growing very fast from office level.
“And they are extending to the 21 districts, but for us the representatives we need to be trained.
“Everything has to be documented in black and white on our roles and responsibilities.”
