The nationwide consultation on the proposed Kava Bill concluded for the Central Division with some exporters formally opposing plans to establish a Fiji Kava Council.
The consultation, held at the Southern Cross Hotel Conference Room earlier this month, formed part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to create a unified legal framework to regulate Fiji’s multimillion-dollar kava industry.
However, the final session was marked by a written submission from the import and export sectors warning against centralising authority within the proposed council.
Deep Water Imports and Exports representative Faiyaz Hussien opposed granting the Fiji Kava Council control over export licensing.
“It is good that the ministry is trying to form a Kava Council to maintain the farmers, in more cultivation,” Mr Hussien said.
“We do not allow the council to make decisions on export licensing.”
He maintained that while the council could play a constructive role in farmer relations and industry development, the ministry must retain overall authority.
“It is good what will the council be doing, but the main power should be with the ministry,” he reiterated.
Mr Hussien said his opposition was grounded in the need for long-term transparency and accountability. Referring to other industries, he warned that regulatory bodies had at times been used to advance personal interests, allegedly compromising professional standards.
He cautioned that granting the council “absolute authority” could result in “foul play rather than fair.”
The Government now faces the challenge of balancing strong farmer support for the immediate establishment of the council against concerns raised by exporters who manage Fiji’s kava trade in international markets.
The formal submission opposing the establishment of the Fiji Kava Council was made by Jays Holding PTE Ltd on behalf of exporter stakeholders.
