PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has moved to quell growing concerns over the Kava Bill 2026, stressing that the controversial legislation remains a proposal and that Fijians will have another opportunity to shape its final form.
Mr Rabuka said concerns had focused on the Bill’s registration and penal provisions.
“A lot has been said about the registration and penal provisions of the Kava Bill 2026,” he said.
“Some have suggested that the Coalition Government has lost track of the ordinary Fijian. I want to clear the air.”
He said the Bill was developed following nationwide consultations and was not yet law.
The Bill will be referred to a parliamentary committee, which will conduct further public consultations and consider possible changes before its third reading.
“The people will have another opportunity to comment on the Bill when the Committee of Parliament comes around to hear your views again.”
Mr Rabuka urged concerned individuals, businesses and stakeholders to make their views known.
“After all, it is your Parliament. Democracy demands that we consult and only prescribe into law what the majority of the country prefers to be the law that governs this most important industry.”
