Officials from iTaukei Land Trust Board were denied permission by Nadroga Navosa paramount chief Na Ka Levu Ratu Tevita Nabekwahiga Makutu to carry out consultations on Bill 17.
In a letter to iTaukei Affairs Minister and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Ratu Tevita expressed his disappointment over the official visit on August 3 to his traditional home at Naqeledamu in Cuvu.
“On Tuesday, August 3, I received a delegation from the office of the Roko Tui Nadroga at the chiefly bure at Naqeledamu,” he stated in the letter.
“I was shocked to realise that officials of the iTaukei Land Trust Board were part of the delegation. They came to seek my approval and endorsement for them to undertake awareness in the province.
“My disgust and disapproval were immediately known to them, including the Roko Tui.”
He said word had been sent to traditional leaders of the 21 districts within the province to take appropriate action through their village headman.
“The district chiefs will convey our collective decisions to the village headman for their necessary action.”
Questions sent to TLTB chief executive officer remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
