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Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Taveuni Islanders Wants Reptile Destroyed
by Theresa Ralogaivau
Thursday, January 21, 2010
THE vanua of Cakaudrove has pleaded for State intervention to contain and destroy a reptile that has stirred alarm on the two islands in the province.
The reptile, which is thought to be a type of iguana smuggled into the country by a tourist, is said to be prevalent on Qamea Island and was recently spotted on Taveuni.
Tui Cakau's spokesperson, Epeli Matata, said the children were frightened of the creature and were staying away from beaches and plantations.
"They're afraid because when it was spotted in Somosomo Village last month it chased children who threw sticks at it to chase it off," he said.
"The children are staying away from the waterfront, even some adults.
"When they're sent to bring firewood and coconuts from the plantation they make excuses because they are scared."
Agriculture permanent secretary Colonel Mason Smith has called on islanders to remain calm as help was on the way.
A team of three - a quarantine official, a paravet and the ministry's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Robin Archari, will be on Taveuni today to investigate.
The team has been tasked with determining the reptile's habits, species, nesting sites, location and an estimate of its numbers.
"This team will supplement the team already in place at Waiyevo," Colonel Smith said.
"We need to determine the species, what it eats and whether or not it is a threat to the natural flora and fauna or wildlife.
"Based on the findings and with further consultation, we will decide on a suitable eradication program."
Meanwhile, the creature that Lovonivonu villagers captured remains caged in the agricultural compound at Waiyevo.
A Lovonivonu villager said the creature, about 1.6 meters long, was caught on Monday and was placed in a parrot cage.
"When it was on the village grounds, everyone just stood around and it looked too scared to move," the villager said.
"It's scales changed colour when it climbed up the trees and people just couldn't stop staring at it."
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
NLTB to market land
www.fijitimes.com - Wednesday, January 20, 2010
THE Native Land Trust Board will embark on a marketing drive soon to attract interest in the leasing of native land.
This campaign will include the introduction of new products to attract and add maximum value to the land for the landowners' benefit.
NLTB General Manager Alipate Qetaki said the Board would consider all avenues to market these products.
However, all native land transactions must be done with the approval of the Board. Mr Qetaki said the sale of native land was forbidden, unless it was sold to the State.
"Any land sale will be for lease purpose and it will have a beginning and an end," he said.
He said once a land sale was approved, the Board would have to provide terms and conditions before the final approval is given.
"The terms and conditions will have to be negotiated through the legal framework that we have under the Native Land Trust Act," Mr Qetaki said.
"We will be using the internet and all the available technologies that we have. We will be looking at tendering the land."
He said the Board would like to speed up the process of acquiring a lease, especially for investors.
Monday, January 18, 2010
State has final say on reforms: Qetaki
www.fijitimes.com - Monday, January 18, 2010
THE Native Land Trust Board has clarified that the revocation of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenants Act can only be decided by the State.
Responding to an article which appeared in the Fiji Times, NLTB General Manager Alipate Qetaki said the revocation of ALTA was part of the Board's submission to government under its new Land Reform Program.
Mr Qetaki said government would make the final decision on the Land Reform Program.
He said the Land Reform Program was a government-sponsored program.
"Government will make the final decision on land reforms," said Mr Qetaki.
He said the NLTB was a stakeholder in the land reform process and, like other stakeholders, would make its views known to government.
Under the reforms, the NLTB proposes that all leases under native land should come under the legal framework of the Native Land Trust Act.
Mr Qetaki had said the reform should benefit all the landowners, government and all the relevant stakeholders.
Malomalo elder appreciates school upgrade
Rewa Chiefly Trip to their Verata Roots
Paula Tagivetaua
www.fijitimes.com - Sunday, January 17, 2010
I READ some differences of opinions this week about a great ancestor of the Roko Tui Dreketi.
My classmate Pate put it together very well on Thursday in his reply that should put to rest the argument but let me take you back to where they all came from.
On December 28, the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Tuisawau Kepa, took members of her mataqali from valelevu in Lomanikoro, Rewa back to their roots at Ucunivanua, Verata. They went to see their yavu, the yavu of Romelasiga, son of Lutunasobasoba, the man they derive from.
It was a historic trip meant to educate the young genre.
The chiefly entourage included young and old, met former rugby skipper Ro Alivereti Doviverata and wife Rosi Tamani, Inoke Maraiwai who is married to national volleyball coach Adi Varanisese Logavatu and former national volleyball rep Ro Senimili Roqica.
Ratu Ifereimi Ravoka, the Turaga na Ratu, said it was merely a visit by Romelasiga's descendants to the tuakadra. He and Ro Teimumu had been talking about the trip for some time. She wanted it for the education of her people, being the teacher she is.
Adi Teimumu taught me in primary when she and the late Adi Talatoka came from Corpus for practical.
"I told her it was not a good time because the people were facing hard times and still picking up the pieces after cyclone Mick and there was a drought, but she insisted," said Tu Voka. "It is not a cara sala but a veisiko by our kin and we hosted afternoon tea."
A member of the mataqali valelevu I talked to said it was the first time a Roko Tui Dreketi had taken them to their roots.
"It's a good thing what the marama has done, we will learn from it," he said.
The entourage stopped first at a small hill about half a kilometre from Ucunivanua where signs of human habitation were still visible – trees indigenous to Fijian settlements such as the ivi and niusawa.
They said no one dared build a house on it. The hill is called Namako and is said to be where Romelasiga made his home a long time ago.
The mataki Burebasaga said Lutunasobasoba's children and their families built their yavu around Ucunivanua. Daunisai had his yavu toward Naloto from Namako and there is a yavu for kai Bau at the junction where a baka tree now stands.
"This is where they settled when they came from Nakauvadra," said the mataki.
"From here, they went to various parts of Fiji, Romelasiga to Burebasaga, Buisavulu to Bureta, Daunisai to Kabara and Tuinayavu to Batiki."
Namako was once a fortified hill –– bai ni valu. There is a trench around the hill to protect the inhabitants from hostile elements in those days.
The only way you can get past Namako from inland is to climb up the trench, where you would have been speared or clubbed to death by the bati.
Namako is full of history, as is Ucunivanua and mataqali valelevu members were privileged to be told their past.
At Namako is an ancient niusawa tree withered by exposure to the elements. Legend says Rokomoutu used to go and relax by the tree.
Such is the blood tie between the chiefly households of Lomanikoro and Ucunivanua, they address each other as mataqali, whereas Lomanikoro and other parts of Tailevu are naita.
I was part of the trip and got to see and hear my history – Buadolo where the Ulumatua's mother, Adi Leleasiga, gave him a branch of the bua tree when he was expelled by his father Rokomoutu.
From Ucunivanua, the children of Lutunasobasoba were sent on their way from Sovatabua, at Baravi o Walu, where Tuivanuakula won the great race. Miriama, a woman of Ucunivanua who has been tracing her roots, rang me the other day saying Tuivanuakula was a grandson of Rokomoutu and not his son as the mataki had told us.
That time, Rokomoutu was in a tight situation. He had expelled his dra tabu and could not go back on his word and as the Ulumatua had established his realm in Bua, someone had to take over at Ucunivanua because he was growing old. Just as well the Ulumatua did not run because all would have come under Bua.
When Romelasiga went his way, legend says he had a staff which he said he would plant where he established his realm.
There is a claim he first planted his staff at Nadoria and some say the seat of the Roko Tui Dreketi should be Nadoria and not Lomanikoro.
Where Romelasiga first planted his staff has been a subject of debate through the ages but as the mataki put it, Romelasiga may have planted his staff more than one time, where he would have rested on his sojourn and it did not mean that where he first planted it would be the seat of the Roko Tui Dreketi.
The story goes that before Lomanikoro, the Roko Tui Dreketi was on the other side of the river and looked after by the qase ni vale from the yavusa Danudanu.
Then there was a conspiracy.
The Roko Tui Dreketi was lured to the other side of the river by the yavusa Burenivalu who enticed him with the delicacy rourou vakautona and mana. They say the rourou vakautona and mana tasted so good the Roko Tui Dreketi wanted more but they told him if he crossed the river, he would eat what he had eaten everyday.
So he crossed to the other side and the Burenivalu clan took over as qase ni vale for the Roko Tui Dreketi. That is why Danudanu people and yavusa Burenivalu are veitabani.
What I have told you is what we were told by the mataki – the first chapter.
If you want to know more about Romelasiga and the second and third chapters, you have to go to Lomanikoro.
It is amazing what you can find out when you go back to your roots. We can trace our history back to Ucunivanua and no doubt Romelasiga's descendants learnt from the trip, as I did.
After all, Ucunivanua is where our ancestors were once.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
New Chief to be Installed After End of Mourning for Late Tui Tavua
www.fijitimes.com - Monday, January 18, 2010
THE Vanua o Bila is yet to decide on when a new Tui Tavua will be installed.
Ratu Ovini Bokini's younger brother, Ratu Totivi Kama Ratu, is the likely candidate. He replaced Ratu Ovini as chairman of the Tavua Tikina Council and at the provincial council.
Tikina Tavua rep Apisalome Ulusova said the vanua would meet soon to decide on a successor and that they would follow the wishes of Ratu Ovini that chiefly titles must not be left vacant for too long.
"He raised it in the Bose ni Momo in 2007, that it is important that all chiefly titles are filled so that the people are led in a clear direction," he said.
"A chief is a symbol of unity. Everyone will listen to only one voice and there will be unity throughout the vanua."
Ratu Ovini is survived by his wife, four children, many grandchildren, two older sisters and six younger brothers.
www.fijitimes.com - Monday, January 18, 2010
THE Vanua o Bila is yet to decide on when a new Tui Tavua will be installed.
Ratu Ovini Bokini's younger brother, Ratu Totivi Kama Ratu, is the likely candidate. He replaced Ratu Ovini as chairman of the Tavua Tikina Council and at the provincial council.
Tikina Tavua rep Apisalome Ulusova said the vanua would meet soon to decide on a successor and that they would follow the wishes of Ratu Ovini that chiefly titles must not be left vacant for too long.
"He raised it in the Bose ni Momo in 2007, that it is important that all chiefly titles are filled so that the people are led in a clear direction," he said.
"A chief is a symbol of unity. Everyone will listen to only one voice and there will be unity throughout the vanua."
Ratu Ovini is survived by his wife, four children, many grandchildren, two older sisters and six younger brothers.
Bokini's last farewell
Mereseini Marau
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tavo Bale Bokini with her grandchildren holding a framed picture of the late Tui Tavua, Ratu Ovini Bokini. Front: Adi Kelera Dakainiviti, Ratu Josua Naborisi, Losalini Palu Korosaya Middle: Filomena Korosaya, Adi Sala Malawa Korosaya, Tavo Bokini , Adi Sa
THE Tavualevu Village ground was a sea of colours on Saturday to mark the end of the official mourning of the late Tui Tavua, Ratu Ovini Bokini.
The village ground was filled with fine mats, masi and tapa, bales of cloth, drums of kerosene and other traditional gifts during the vakataraisulu which were presented to the vanua by the members of the chiefly Navotukuyawa family.
It also included 20 huge tabua.
Tikina rep Apisalome Ulusova said Ratu Ovini's older sister Adi Laite Nariu was dressed in traditional garb to represent the chiefly family and her siblings.
His widow Tavo Bokini, their children and grandchildren were also outfitted in traditional clothes.
"They had been wearing black since our chief passed away last year. This marks the end of our mourning for our chief," Mr Ulusova said.
He said the vanua presented the family with 11 tabua, three carcass and 60 bundles of dalo to thank them for observing the mourning period.
"We also had the representative of the Sau kei Mualevu, a delegation from the Tui Ba, Tui Vitogo and all those other chiefly households that have links to us," Mr Ulusova said.
He said although Ratu Ovini had left them, the turnout on Saturday showed that his legacy was still remembered.
Bokini's last farewell
Mereseini Marau
Monday, January 18, 2010
+ Enlarge this imageTavo Bale Bokini with her grandchildren holding a framed picture of the late Tui Tavua, Ratu Ovini Bokini. Front: Adi Kelera Dakainiviti, Ratu Josua Naborisi, Losalini Palu Korosaya Middle: Filomena Korosaya, Adi Sala Malawa Korosaya, Tavo Bokini , Adi Sa
THE Tavualevu Village ground was a sea of colours on Saturday to mark the end of the official mourning of the late Tui Tavua, Ratu Ovini Bokini.
The village ground was filled with fine mats, masi and tapa, bales of cloth, drums of kerosene and other traditional gifts during the vakataraisulu which were presented to the vanua by the members of the chiefly Navotukuyawa family.
It also included 20 huge tabua.
Tikina rep Apisalome Ulusova said Ratu Ovini's older sister Adi Laite Nariu was dressed in traditional garb to represent the chiefly family and her siblings.
His widow Tavo Bokini, their children and grandchildren were also outfitted in traditional clothes.
"They had been wearing black since our chief passed away last year. This marks the end of our mourning for our chief," Mr Ulusova said.
He said the vanua presented the family with 11 tabua, three carcass and 60 bundles of dalo to thank them for observing the mourning period.
"We also had the representative of the Sau kei Mualevu, a delegation from the Tui Ba, Tui Vitogo and all those other chiefly households that have links to us," Mr Ulusova said.
He said although Ratu Ovini had left them, the turnout on Saturday showed that his legacy was still remembered.
www.fijitimes.com - Sunday, January 17, 2010
THE immediate family of the late Tui Tavua, Ratu Ovini Bokini, ended their official mourning with a traditional ceremony attended by hundreds of people at Tavualevu Village yesterday.
The vakataraisulu was attended by all those with blood and kinship ties to the family. It also marked the one year since Ratu Ovini's death.
Tikina Tavua rep Apisalome Ulusova said at the ceremony that it was a solemn affair of great magnitude.
"They had been wearing black since our chief passed away last year. This marks the end of our mourning for our chief," he said.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Sau Mai Totoya Organise Fijian Takia Race
www.fijitimes.com - Saturday, January 16, 2010
Test run ... the takia, a traditional Fijian canoe, on Laucala Bay yesterday.
THE people of Suva will see first-hand traditional maritime skills on display when the people of Fulaga and Moce battle it out in a canoe race next week.
The competition is organised by the Pacific Blue Foundation, an NGO that dedicates itself to Pacific cultural and ecological conservation.
Organiser and newly-installed Roko Sau from Totoya, Roko Josefa Cinavilakeba, said the historic event was created to promote awareness of unique indigenous craftsmanship and sailing skills.
"The competition provides the opportunity for the islanders to display their skills through sustainable conservation and practical use within our modern lifestyle," said Roko Josefa.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Clan supports land changes
by Monika Singh
www.fijitimes.com - Friday, January 15, 2010
A LANDOWNING unit has welcomed the idea of getting their land back but feels that lease money should be held in trust by the Native Land Trust Board.
Paula Rawiriwiri, the Turaga ni Yavusa Matanikorovatu, said they were happy with the new development to revoke the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA) as this would allow them to lease their own land.
"That is what we, landowners want, to have our land returned to us. Most importantly, we want it leased so our members will benefit for the future of developments in our mataqali, especially for the education of our children and welfare of our own people," he said.
Mr Rawiriwiri said a lot of people wanted to lease land, especially the Indian community who were good farmers.
"But for our mataqali, we will lease our land because majority in our clan are working people and we will not have time to work on the land, which will be a waste," he said.
He said they would welcome any moves to have NLTB hold their money in trust until they need it.
"If it is kept with us, any member of a committee formed to look after that can use money unwisely, or on unnecessary spending and it will totally defeat the purpose of investing for the long term," he said.
Meanwhile, the Soqosoqo Vakamarama says the proposal to revoke ALTA would free landowners to release land for utilisation, and would create security for both landowners and tenants.
"This is because landowners can have tenants for 99 years, and they will have someone they trust with their land," said general secretary Adi Finau Tabakaucoro.
She said having a long term lease would facilitate better planning for the land usage.
"Land has value as long as it is being cultivated or used for some kind of work," she said.
Adi Finau applauded the idea of NLTB and the Fijian Affairs Board encouraging landowners to invest.
"Landowners need to save for their children and future generations and we believe that NLTB has thought about this in detail."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
ALTA is Out
by Ifereimi Nadore
www.fijitimes.com - Thursday, January 14, 2010
THE Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA) will be revoked under the new Land Reform program.
And all leases under native land will now come under the legal framework of the Native Land Trust Act.
This means that farmers can soon expect to be able to lease native land for 99 year terms, as opposed to the 30 years that they were restricted to under ALTA.
Native Land Trust Board general manager Alipate Qetaki yesterday confirmed these details and said the board felt the revocation of ALTA should benefit landowners who over the years were denied a fair share of returns from the use of their land.
Mr Qetaki said the change would not only benefit landowners but also tenants and other stakeholders as well.
He confirmed that now that ALTA would be revoked, all agricultural leases would have their tenure extended from 30 to 99 years.
"The challenge is to work out appropriate terms and conditions for the lease itself. And having done this the interest of the landowners would be taken into account," Mr Qetaki said.
He said the new changes would have to go hand in hand with today's economic climate.
"This means that we have to build in certain conditions such as the periodic review of the rent likewise the periodic assessment of land," Mr Qetaki said.
This, he said, would also require a swifter and stronger enforcement regime.
"We don't like to see people taking advantage of the landowners," he said.
"We have to consider the reform with its current context. The main issue is to have accessibility to land but you have to pay the price," said Mr Qetaki.
He reiterated that the ownership of the native land would not change.
"We have to find ways for how the landowners can best utilise their land and we will have all the necessary framework to facilitate that.
Best use not only for the landowners, but for the tenants and whole country, he said.
He said the NLTB would like to empower the landowners to lease their own land for commercial farming, housing, and hotel business.
He said the board would work closely with the Fijian Affairs Board by advising the landowners to become involved in entrepreneurship.
"We would like to see the landowners properly invest their trust funds from land for future needs in education, development and other community service," said Mr Qetaki.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Totoya Chief Calls for Islands Shipping Improvement
Islanders leave in numbers for better opportunities
www.fijitimes.com - Wednesday, January 13, 2010
VILLAGERS on Totoya in Lau have called on the Government to improve the franchised shipping service to the Lau Group to avoid the mass migration of islanders to Viti Levu.
They said life in the islands was becoming unbearable due to the lack of economic activities and development.
They said the islanders had no choice but to leave with their children for better opportunities on the mainland.
Paramount chief of Totoya, the Rokosau Roko Josefa Cinavilakeba, told the Fiji Times the number of islanders had dropped significantly over the years due to the lack of income.
"People have abandoned their homes and are moving with their families to Viti Levu because they are finding it hard here," said Roko Josefa.
He said schools which normally had a roll of more than 100 students had recorded low turnout as families moved their children to Viti Levu.
"The roll for the four primary schools on the island continues to decrease over the years," he said.
because families have decided to move to Suva as they want the best for their children," added Roko Josefa.
Roko Josefa said life in Totoya would change for the better only if the shipping service was improved.
"We have copra and a very rich fishing grounds. Also we have nice sandy beaches and surfing spots for tourists. But when we don't have a regular shipping service we are being denied the chance to market these resources," said Roko Josefa.
He said that because of the poor shipping service the villagers were forced to sell their copra to the Methodist Church on the island to cater for their daily expenses.
Roko Josefa said goods sold at the Post Fiji shop on the island were too expensive.
Chiefs hails lawmen in poaching battle
www.fijitimes.com - Wednesday, January 13, 2010
VIGILANCE by police officers over the qoliqoli of Macuata has resulted in a drop in poaching activities.
This has been applauded by the province's high chief, Ratu Aisea Katonivere, who described the efforts of authorities as excellent and outstanding.
Ratu Aisea said the police, the Fisheries Department and the village fishing wardens had helped fight illegal fishing activities.
He said the Macuata Qoliqoli Cokovata committee would work with the police and fisheries officials this year to rid the province of the illegal activity.
Ratu Aisea said poaching had been the committee's greatest battle in the qoliqoli area.
The committee had observed that fishermen holding licenses for the province of Bua had poached the Macuata qoliqoli.
Ratu Aisea said such activities had decreased but it wasn't a guarantee to the committee that poaching would stop.
He said this was the reason the committee had worked with the State and stakeholders to stop the poaching.
Rati Aisea said fishing wardens were equipped and their involvement had helped the police and fisheries officials.
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