Women in the vanua o Qoibau are not allowed to drink grog under a new set of vanua laws introduced to strengthen discipline and order.
The rule is contained in the lawa ni Qoibau obtained by this newspaper, following a meeting in Nakorowiri Village last month.
In the meeting, community representatives agreed that a set of ‘written laws’ be established for the vanua o Qoibau and enforced across every village and settlement within it.
According to the document, the law prohibits women from certain activities.
“The women are not allowed to drink grog in the vanua of Qoibau,” the lawa ni Qoibau states.
Turaga ni Yavusa o Qoibau Laisiasa Masidrugu said while they could do so elsewhere, it was strictly forbidden within the villages and communities of Qoibau.
“The women are not allowed to grog in Qoibau. They can go elsewhere and drink grog, but not in villages and communities of Qoibau.”
When asked why only women, Mr Masidrugu said, it was the rule all traditional leaders had agreed on.
The document also outlines other restrictions aimed at maintaining order and respect.
“People are not allowed to steal grog or uproot yaqona plants that they did not plant.”
Alcohol consumption is also banned. People who become intoxicated and behave in a disorderly manner will not be tolerated.
Other rules include a ban on playing loud music and a dress restriction for women.
Drinking alcohol has also been banned. Women are not allowed to wear shorts.
Community members at the Nakorowiri meeting also agreed that the law would apply to all villages and communities that make up the district of Qoibau.
The lawa ni Qoibau states that the rules were made in line with provisions under the Fijian Affairs Act Cap 120 and the Tikina and Village Regulations 1996, including sections 29(e) and 29(f).
The written law is expected to guide behaviour in the vanua and strengthen traditional authority within the district.
The villages of Namoli, Galoa, Nakorowiri, Vunimoli, Nubunikavula, Batinikama and Waikisi fall under the vanua o Qoibau.
