Former coup convict Jo Nata has told the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission that Fiji’s long-term stability depends on addressing what he described as the economic marginalisation of indigenous iTaukei people.
In his submission to the Commission, Nata said the issue required urgent attention and warned that political instability would remain a recurring challenge if economic disparities were not meaningfully addressed.
“This needs serious and urgent fixing,” he said.
“Unless the issue of taukei economic marginalization is addressed meaningfully, stability in Fiji will always be a challenge.”
Nata argued that politicians alone could not solve the problem and called for greater leadership and ownership from grassroots communities.
“We as taukei really have to get off our back and help ourselves. We have to get out of the handout mentality,” he said.
He also called for greater cooperation between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, saying the latter had an important role to play in helping increase iTaukei participation in the economy.
“The other group of people are our Indian brothers. This has not been consciously explored. This will require serious conversations and dialogue.”
“Indians must be convinced that it is to their advantage and benefit that they help raise the economic participation of taukei.”
Nata criticised past affirmative action programmes aimed at assisting indigenous Fijians, saying they had failed to deliver meaningful outcomes.
“Affirmative actions and special programmes to assist taukeis has not only not worked but are getting embarrassing,” he said.
“I cringe when I am in a discussion where assistance to taukei Fijians is the topic.”
Instead, he advocated for practical reforms focused on maximising the value of natural resources and land ownership.
Nata said changes to land laws should be considered to ensure landowners receive greater benefits from developments taking place on native land.
“There should be changes in the land laws to maximise benefits and returns to resource and land owners; to monetise natural resources,” he said.
“Every development on native land, landowners should be partners in joint ventures.”
He also called for more accessible financing arrangements, mentoring, management support and ongoing monitoring to help indigenous entrepreneurs succeed.
“Accessing current dedicated financial assistance is like entering an elimination process,” Nata said.
“Mentoring, management assistance and monitoring are essential.”
The former rebel leader’s testimony formed part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to examine the underlying causes of Fiji’s political upheavals and identify pathways toward lasting reconciliation and national unity.
