THE Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, has called for stronger inclusion of women and youth in the five-year development plan of Lakeba Nexus Holding Pte Ltd, saying their participation is essential to sustainable development on the island.
He made the call while opening an awareness meeting on the company’s five-year plan at the Kinoya Methodist Church hall in Nasinu on Friday night.
Ratu Tevita also acknowledged the district of Lakeba for the successful completion of his installation as Turaga na Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni vanua o Lau in July 2025 following the traditional vakasenuqanuqa ceremony, which marked his return home after reaching an important milestone.
He said the five-year plan built on an earlier development framework for Lakeba and aligned with the island’s Economic Strategic Plan through to 2028.
Ratu Tevita said committee representatives, particularly those involved in small and medium enterprises and cooperatives, needed to be supported and empowered through structured business opportunities under the company’s development plan.
Committee representative Aisake Taito also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion, saying meaningful engagement and economic participation were critical in addressing social issues affecting young people.
He said empowering youths through employment, training and active involvement would help reduce law-breaking and excessive alcohol consumption on the island.
Mr Taito said the five-year rolling plan provided a pathway for inclusive growth, community ownership and long-term economic stability for Lakeba, while ensuring women and youths were active contributors to the island’s future development.
Meeting outlines island’s pine project
PLANS for the future development of pine forestry on Lakeba were outlined on Friday during the Lakeba Nexus Holding five-year plan awareness meeting at the Kinoya Methodist Church hall in Nasinu.
The meeting was officially opened by the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, who attended in his capacity as chairman of the company.
A key initiative highlighted in the business plan was the Lakeba Pine Project, described as the “way forward for pine forestry on the island.
According to the plan, a contract has been signed with Tropik Wood by Ratu Tevita and the executive chairman, marking a major step towards commercial forestry operations on the island.
The business plan stated that there will be a seven-month preparation period for Lakeba, during which several milestones would be achieved.
These included the construction of a jetty at Wainiyabia, with expressions of interest for contractors having been advertised in the past two weeks.
Other requirements outlined in the plan include securing funding for harvesting and sawmilling operations, procuring machinery, completing recruitment and obtaining the necessary licences.
Company representative Aisake Taito said these steps were critical to ensuring the project was ready for full implementation once operations commenced.
The plan also confirmed that the first annual general meeting of Lakeba Nexus Holding Pte Ltd would be held at Tubou, Lakeba, in December 2027, during which audited accounts would be presented.
