The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has issued a firm warning that any further unlawful interference with land leased to Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Pte Ltd (GFIL) In Nakelo could amount to contempt of court.
TLTB was responding to allegations by Mr Jiutasa Bilavucu of Vunivaivai Village, Nakelo, who has claimed that the land leased to GFIL is iTaukei reserve land and that the Board acted unlawfully in issuing the lease.
The Board has categorically rejected the claims, stating they are false, misleading and unsupported by both historical records and court rulings.
In its statement, TLTB stressed that the legal status of the land has already been conclusively determined by the High Court.
It noted that earlier challenges mounted by Mataqali Vico and Mataqali Namara were dismissed, with the Court ruling that TLTB acted lawfully, carried out extensive consultations and granted the lease in the best interests of landowners.
The Board further pointed to a 2019 High Court decision, which confirmed GFIL’s right to quiet enjoyment of the leased land and issued an injunction restraining Mr Bilavucu, Mataqali Vico and Mataqali Namara from unlawfully interfering with GFIL’s trade, business or occupation of the land.
TLTB said any actions taken in breach of those injunction orders would constitute a serious violation of court directives.
“Any further unlawful interference with GFIL’s operations may result in committal proceedings for contempt of court,” the Board warned.
TLTB said individuals found in breach of the Court’s orders could face penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both, as enforcement measures to ensure compliance.
The Board also confirmed that numerous consultations have already been held with mataqali representatives through TLTB, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and meetings in Nakelo, involving senior government officials.
TLTB reaffirmed its position, supported by documentary evidence and confirmed by the High Court, that the land leased to GFIL does not form part of Mataqali Vico’s reserve land.
It urged all parties to raise concerns through lawful channels and cautioned against taking matters into their own hands, reiterating its commitment to transparency, legal compliance and acting in the best interests of landowners.
