THE development of rural and maritime areas must be treated as a national duty and not as another government policy.
Rural and Maritime Development Minister Mosese Bulitavu, who assumed office on Monday following a recent ministerial reshuffle, said beginning his role by listening to rural voices was both deliberate and symbolic.
“There is no more meaningful way to begin this journey than by listening, building partnerships and shaping the future of rural and maritime Fiji together,” he said.
He described the responsibility entrusted to him as a serious one, stressing that rural and maritime communities were central to Fiji’s identity, economy and resilience.
“These communities are home to our natural resources, our food systems, our culture and our traditional governance structures.”
He was speaking during a multi-stakeholder consultation on the national rural development policy at the Fiji Football Academy in Labasa.
“Ensuring they are supported, empowered and given equal opportunities for development is not only a policy obligation — it is a national responsibility.”
The consultation forms part of a nationwide effort to develop Fiji’s first national rural development policy, which will serve as the central framework guiding how Government plans, coordinates and delivers development in rural and outer island communities.
Mr Bulitavu said the policy would shape how ministries work together, how funding is prioritised and how development outcomes are measured.
“It is a foundational instrument that will guide my ministry’s work for years to come.”
He added that the policy would also help address long-standing challenges in rural areas and ensure national plans reflected realities faced at the provincial and village levels.
