Fijian unity is Fiji’s unity

www.fijidailypost.com - 13-Feb-2008

WHEN the Fijian people are disunited, Fiji itself becomes a disunited nation. As Abraham Lincoln pointed out 150 years ago, the nation divided, like ‘a house divided against itself’ (Gospel of Mark), cannot stand, cannot be successful, and cannot sustain itself into prosperity. The key to Fiji as a nation is what it has always been: harmony and unity among the Fijian people themselves.

The Fijian people are presently exposed like so many strands of waka root drying in the sun. Each strand is potentially powerful, but each lies differentiated from the other. There are strands of tribalism, of religious difference, and of political variation. There are strands of rank and class, of hierarchical birthright, and of police and military power. There are strands of differentials in experience, of professional achievement, of educational qualification, and of occupational prestige.

Each strand would wither in the sun if left too long, or grow mouldy in the rain if not attended to with due vigilance. So, like drying waka roots, the multi-stranded Fijian people await their moment. When that time of maturity comes, the people will be gathered up, pressed together and wound into a tight and powerful sevusevu as an offering to the nation. Until this unity of indigenous presence and power are realised, there can be no unity of effect of benefit to anyone else. Progress for the nation depends upon a single offering of atonement, not a conflictual and competing series of Fijian visions.

If we are to have a People’s Charter for the nation, how can it be even adumbrated without a corresponding and prior ‘charter of vanua unity’ (for want of a better term) among the Fijian people? A single strand of waka will quench someone’s thirst, but it cannot produce a tanoa of blessing for all. The effect across the board will not be there.

There can only be enough mana to go around when the sevusevu as a whole is presented as a whole – not strand by strand. And obtaining that cohesive unity does not require similitude; it requires respect for difference. It does not require remaking each other into our own preferred image; it requires faith in the fact of each other’s difference.

National harmony and progress toward a common set of goals will be possible when respect for difference flows from the Fijian collective consciousness rather than being injected into it.

A strand of waka naturally gives up its properties and does need to be mixed with artificial alien additives for its effect. Similarly, the Fijian people have it within themselves to create a better Fiji; they just need to listen and yield to ‘the angels of (their) better natures’ (as Abraham Lincoln once put it) in order to get the job done.

Yadua cheers turtle tagging

www.fijitimes.com - Thursday, February 07, 2008

TOP: Yadua park ranger Pita Biciloa, right, with Josaia Sukaloa take measurements of the nesting Hawksbill in the background+ Enlarge this image

TOP: Yadua park ranger Pita Biciloa, right, with Josaia Sukaloa take measurements of the nesting Hawksbill in the background

By Jone Niukula of The National Trust of Fiji and Sainivalati Navuku, WWF Fiji Country Program

ATTEMPTS over the past two years to locate and tag a nesting turtle in Fiji bore fruit last month.

The collaborative effort of the National Trust of Fiji, the community of Yadua, SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program), NOAA (National Ocean & Atmospheric Administration) and WWF has been the climax of on-going efforts over past years to protect an endangered cultural icon.

Yadua community celebrates

turtle tagging

North-east of Yadua Taba Island (in Bua province and a famous iguana sanctuary) on a secluded beach locally known as Talice, a nesting Hawksbill turtle was located.

The turtle was spotted by National Trust officer Jone Niukula and other members of the team as they made their way to an adjacent beach to await nesting turtles and carry out research work.

This was the final attempt during this nesting season, to locate and tag a Hawksbill nester, a first for Fiji.

The sight of the turtle tracks on the beach triggered excitement among the research team.

Pita Biciloa, the park ranger on Yadua manoeuvred his boat in an attempt to channel through a small passage to get to Talice. Against all odds, the team managed to secure the boat ashore, their excitement and enthusiasm fuelled even more, as they approached the turtle tracks on the beach and heard loud "swooshes" the sound of sand being scattered as the Hawksbill started to dig in on the beach.

The sound of waves crashing on the beach, as if to applaud and cheer the turtle and lighting flashes on the horizon as darkness began to swallow the earth was the most majestic greeting to this ancient sea reptile as it crawled up to land to nest after decades of navigating the seas.

This (nesting) is the only time that turtles are found on land. It is highly possible that the 88.8cm Hawksbill is a hatchling of Yadua returning after more than 25 years to the beach of her birth to transfer her genetic code into the future.

The Hawksbill was named Marama ni Yadua by the villagers, who expressed great emotion at seeing the turtle lay its eggs and with the attachment of the satellite tag, said this would be an unforgettable experience for them. A small church service was conducted before the turtle was released into the sea with the hope to see it return to Yadua in years to come.

Fiji's first satellite tagged turtle

The excitement generated out of locating the nesting turtle on Yadua stems from the fact that this is Fiji's first satellite-tagged turtle.

It has become increasingly difficult to find nesting turtles in Fiji, hence the team reacted promptly and set off to Yadua with the satellite tag donated by SPREP.

Turtles are known to nest (lay eggs) from November through to March. Thus, over the holiday period, several other teams were conducting nesting beach work around Fiji including the Mamanuca group, Koro Island and Yadua.

The surveys are part of Fiji's Sea Turtle Recovery Plan a document developed by various stakeholders to address key threats that are contributing to the decline of the turtle population in Fiji.

Implementing these activities has been greatly assisted by funds that were raised through the 2007 Inaugural Turtle Ball.

Marama ni Yadua has been transmitting signals since the satellite tag attachment and the team expects to receive a plotted map this month. Around the region, satellite telemetry work has enabled several Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) such as Samoa, the Cook Islands, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia to track the migration of turtles that nested on their beach. Several of the telemetry results illustrate a westward trend of migration, with turtles tagged in three of the countries/territories listed above migrating to Fiji.

Fiji's healthy seagrass meadows and coral reefs are hot spots for turtles to feed.

One famous illustration of this type of work was the migration of Lady Vini a female Hawksbill tagged in Samoa in March 2006 and then moved through the Exclusive Economic Zones of 6 PICTs before entering Fiji in October 2006, where the signal died.

For several years now, turtle migration has been tracked through various tagging methods including titanium flipper, passive internal transponder (PIT) or satellite tags.

Titanium flipper tags are the more commonly employed method as it is relatively inexpensive. However, data retrieval is entirely dependent on the serial numbers being reported to the relevant authorities by those who come across turtles carrying the flipper tags.

Based on these reports, authorities are then able to plot the path the turtles take on their migration.

Tui Labasa Dispute

Chiefly subjects seek pardon

Thursday, March 13, 2008

THE people of Labasa yesterday shed communal tears when they sought the forgiveness of their high chief, Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma, for hurting her through words and acts over past months.

At the bose vanua in Naseakula Village, in the North, the turaga ni mataqali Tuatua, Nemani Tomasi could not hold back his tears as he led the people to the forgiveness ceremony.

Speaking in Fijian, he asked Adi Salanieta to forgive them for the hurt her people had caused.

Mr Tomasi offered a tabua (whale's tooth) and a feast as a token of atonement and requested.

He also promised the day would be the beginning of a new relationship between the people and their chief.

Adi Salanieta was formally recognised by the Native Lands Commission two weeks ago.

Although the Drauna family, the faction that challenged the chiefly title did not attend the ceremony, Mr Tomasi said the ceremony was being done for the vanua of Labasa.

Adi Salanieta accepted the apology and encouraged the vanua to work together and acknowledge God in everything they did.

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Adi Salanieta said she was humbled by the ceremony.

She said that the ceremony meant unity and brought about oneness to the vanua.

Adi Salanieta encouraged her people to work together as a family and in unity.

Silence prevailed as people shook her hand and made peace with each another.

District reps and chiefs of the vanua were glad that such a reconciliation ceremony amongst the vanua was held, saying this would help in achieving goals set for the district of Labasa.

The meeting was its first ever since the ruling of the Native Lands Tribunal Appeals last month. It ruled Adi Salanieta as rightful holder of the chiefly title of Tui Labasa.

A meeting of the tikina held at Naseakula Village decided that Adi Salanieta would be installed on October 31.

The meeting agreed it needed to fulfil its traditional obligation as Adi Salanieta's name had been gazetted as the Tui Labasa, following the tribunal's ruling. Labasa district rep Paula Maleau said the vanua would approach the kingship of Caumatalevu at Naduri Village and inform them about the decision.

"It is part of Fijian protocol because by right, the Tui Macuata always serves the grog of bowl to the Tui Labasa and that is why we have to approach him and ask him to perform this highly respected duty in installing our chief."

Tui Labasa to officially claim her seat

SERAFINA SILAITOGA

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

THE Tui Labasa, Adi Salanieta Lomaloma, will be installed on October 31.

This was agreed at the Labasa tikina bose vanua yesterday at Naseakula Village in the Northern Division.

District chiefs and church leaders agreed that Adi Salanieta should be traditionally installed after the Native Lands Commission tribunal ruled in her favour last month.

The meeting agreed that the vanua needed to fulfil its traditional obligation as Adi Salanieta's name had been gazetted as the Tui Labasa, following the tribunal's ruling. Labasa district rep Paula Maleau said the vanua would approach the kingship of Caumatalevu at Naduri Village and inform them about the decision.

"It is part of Fijian protocol because by right, the Tui Macuata always serves the grog of bowl to the Tui Labasa and that is why we have to approach him to inform and ask him to perform this highly respected duty in installing our chief."

The traditional practice, known as vakagunuvi, will involve the Tui Macuata, Ratu Aisea Katonivere.

Mr Maleau said they would approach Ratu Aisea to ask for his presence at the installation and give Adi Salanieta his blessings.

Last month, the tribunal found no evidence in the claim by Ratu Epeli Drauna and his faction which resulted in the tribunal ruling in favour of Adi Salanieta.

The tribunal announced that after looking through documents made available to them and the ones kept in their records, they reached a decision that Adi Salanieta was the true holder of the title.

The two factions that belong to the same mataqali of Wasavulu have been on a stand-off since the decision by the NLC in 2006 which ruled in favour of Adi Salanieta.

Tribunal settles Tui Labasa title dispute

SERAFINA SILAITOGA

Friday, February 29, 2008

Adi Salanieta with her close family members and friends+ Enlarge this image

Adi Salanieta with her close family members and friends

TUI Labasa Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma has retained the chiefly title of the Vanua of Labasa after the Native Lands Appeals Tribunal found no evidence to support the claim staked by Ratu Epeli Drauna and his people.

The tribunal yesterday announced that after sifting through documents made available to them and the ones kept on their records, they reached the decision that Adi Salanieta was the true holder of the chiefly title. Speaking in Fijian, tribunal chairman Ratu Inoke Seniloli said the reasons of the appeal put forward by the Drauna family had no evidence to support it.

He said the documents that NLC had and the ones presented by the claimant faction and the vanua of Labasa did not support the reasons of the Drauna family.

After announcing the rightful holder of the title, Ratu Inoke urged the two groups to make peace and reconcile.

He told the meeting that publicising such issues in the media had become a practice of the modern day something the Fijian's forefathers treasured and never made known publicly except to discuss within their own mataqali.

Defeated claimant Ratu Epeli thanked the tribunal for its decision and said he would visit Adi Salanieta to make peace with her.

He said he would want to reconcile with her and the people of Nasekula Village and make a new start.

Adi Salanieta said that in the next vanua meeting, she would ask the chiefs to organise a reconciliation ceremony for the people of Labasa.

"I feel it's important and we need to do that so that we can put the past behind and start afresh and look after one another as a family and as villagers of Nasekula," she said.

The two factions that belong to the same mataqali of Wasavulu have been involved in a dispute since the decision by the Native Lands Commission on July 28, 2006 ruling in favour of Adi Salanieta.

D-Day for Tui Labasa title

Thursday, February 28, 2008 - www.fijitimes.com

THE Native Land Appeals Tribunal will announce the right holder of the Tui Labasa title today.

Tight security will be provided by police during the judgement to be delivered at the Commissioner Northern's office.

Deputy divisional police commander northern Superintendent Anand Narayan could not be reached for a comment but two senior officers said security would be provided.

The chiefly title is being claimed by a faction of the mataqali Wasavulu headed by the Drauna family, of which the present Tui Labasa, Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma, is a member.

Two factions of Nasekula Village in Labasa in Macuata province have been on a stan-off since the Native Lands Commission ruled in favour of Adi Salanieta on July 28, 2006.

Representatives of the two factions and 18 clans of the tikina of Labasa made presentations at the first appeals tribunal hearing this month.

Yesterday, spokesman for the Drauna family, Maikali Drauna, said they would accept any decision made by the tribunal.

The tribunal is chaired by Ratu Inoke Seniloli and co-chaired by Ro Epeli Mataitini and Ratu Solomone Buaserau.

At the first hearing, Ratu Inoke had told the two factions that all the presentations submitted would be considered before they made a decision

Tui Labasa issue

www.fijitimes.com - 12 Feb 2008

Faimanu Mua's account on the origin of the current Qomate family in your paper (FT 8/2) is way off the mark and a feeble attempt at trying to prove that their Rotuman connection was maternal.

Siblings Ratu Viliame Baleilevuka, Adi Salanieta's father and his sister Adi Tui were children of Ratu Viliame Lautiki and Donalesi McGoon and not of Rotuman woman Rosarine and a son of a Tui Labasa as claimed by Mua.

Ratu Lautiki was born to Raobe Lailai, Gagaj Varomua's son and Adi Losalini Watimasirewa of the chiefly clan Wasavulu.

Meanwhile Timoci Delana's defence of Stan Whippy (FT 7/2) has somewhat indicated an indirect admission of the widely held perception that current claimant Salanieta Tuilomaloma is of Rotuman paternal bloodline.

This is the principal reason as why we have strongly appealed against her being declared as Tui Labasa because chiefly titles are normally passed down the paternal bloodline.

We still hold the view that Ratu Epeli Katonivualiku Drauna's claim to the title is legitimate not only by way of his bloodline but also because of the fact that about 90 per cent of the chiefly Yavusa Wasavulu which comprises of three mataqali's render him support.

We can only pray that the truth prevails.

MAIKALI DRAUNA

Labasa

Rotuman link to Tui Labasa title

SERAFINA SILAITOGA

Friday, February 08, 2008

AS the dispute over the holder of the Tui Labasa title escalates, a woman claims the Rotuman blood link to the chiefly family was through the maternal and not the paternal side.

According to distant relative Faimanu Mua, her family has evidence and pictures of how the people of Malhaha in Rotuma traditionally welcomed Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma Ritova and Ratu Viliame Ritova, and descendant Rosarine, a woman of Rotuman chiefly rank.

A faction that appealed the Native Lands Commission decision that the chiefly title rightfully belonged to current holder Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma, had claimed at the NLC Appeals Tribunal hearing this week that the chiefly family had links to Rotuma through the paternal side.

But Ms Mua, whose aim was to clear the air on the issue, said that in the 1900s, her grandfather Gagaj Varomua' Muamea travelled to Fiji from Malhaha to learn to speak English and to return with his uncle Tukaha who had left the island to dive for pearls.

"My grandfather, while in Fiji, found himself a job as a sailor where they travelled to islands around the country delivering water," she said.

"On one of these trips, he was told of how a tafaga (Rotuman canoe) drifted towards Labasa and remained there."

The story goes that the natives of Labasa slaughtered everyone on the canoe except for a young woman called Rosarine and her elderly father.

Ms Mua said when her grandfather Gagaj Muamea heard about this, he travelled to Labasa and asked to be taken to Naseakula Village where he found Rosarine.

"But by this time, her name had changed to Losalini and she was old and she told my grandfather their sad story and that she was married to the Tui Labasa's son at that time," she said. "My grandfather promised to return to the village to take her to Rotuma but when he returned in the 1920s, Losalini had died and her two children Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma Ritova and Ratu Viliame Ritova were there.

"These two then came to Rotuma and were accorded full traditional ceremonies and my mum still has pictures of that function when Adi Tui and Ratu Viliame as they are known to the people of Malhaha, visited the village."

Ms Mua said the two were taken to Malhaha by the people of Naseakula, some of whom remained in Malhaha where they found jobs at the copra plantation of Ono and Gasta.

"I know that some people in Naseakula Village will still remember this and in the 1960s, my mum, who is still alive and 94 years old, attended the funeral of Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma Ritova at Naseakula Village."

Qomate challenge

Letter to Fiji Times Editor 7Feb 2008

Maikali Drauna's letter (FT 4/2) and his challenge to Stan Ritova to admit to the "truth" of his Rotuman heritage show a deep-seated prejudice based on a mythical notion of Fijian racial purity and homogeneity.

If we applied Mr Drauna's logic that the present Tui Labasa, Adi Salanieta, has no claim to the title of Tui Labasa because her great-great-grandfather was Rotuman, then Queen Elizabeth II has no right to claim the throne of England because her great great-grandfather, the Prince Consort, Alfred, was German.

For heaven's sake, Mr Drauna, give us a break.

My readings tell me that we Fijians are a mixture of Melanesian and Polynesian stock and we are genetically linked to the aboriginal people of Taiwan from whence we originated.

Some of us might not like this idea but hey, that's what the scientific evidence tells us.

Recent research into mitochondrial DNA confirms indigenous Fijians have the highest genetic diversity of all Pacific Island peoples and the ancestral mother of all indigenous Fijians living today, was wait for it Polynesian.

Linguistically, Fijians also have a closer affinity to Polynesians than they have with their cousins in Melanesia. Dr Paul Geraghty can expound more on this.

In light of these facts, my immediate reaction on reading Mr Drauna's letter was "... so what then, is so alien about Adi Salanieta's great, great-grandfather being Rotuman (if indeed he was) when the facts show extensive gene flows between Polynesians and Melanesians in the indigenous Fijian makeup"?

If we look around us today many of the chiefly families in Fiji as well as ordinary Fijians, have either Samoan, Tongan, English, Scottish, Irish, Chinese or even Indian blood in their veins (and I contend they are better persons for it).

So too does Adi Salanieta, if indeed she has the blood of a noble Rotuman chief in her veins.

She has conducted herself thus far in the good grace that I expect of a bona fide Fijian marama which confirms to me that she is indeed descended from a chiefly line.

But it seems Mr Drauna and his group won't allow these facts to stand in the way of their prejudice which must have a deeper motive.

Nonetheless, what this issue demonstrates is that indigenous Fijians do suffer from an identity crisis that is loaded with false perceptions of racial purity where we insist on homogeneity, scientific facts to suggest diversity.

We have been programmed by British colonialism to believe we are a special people, superior to other people in the Pacific, when in reality we are very much part of them, albeit a highly diversified version of the rest of our own kind which probably explains our present confusion and political travails.

For me, as a Fijian from Tailevu, I do think while our cultural values are basically patrilineal we should acknowledge and promote our matrilineal or vasu bloodlines because they have so much to offer in terms of enriching our own lives.

Culture is an evolving phenomenon and if we don't change with the times, we will be doomed.

Timoci Delana

Sydney

Qomate legacy

I AM amazed by the special editorial privilege accorded to Stan Ritova, also known as Stan Whippy, in an article he wrote titled 'Defending the Qomate legacy' (ST 20/1).

The author has a direct interest in the Tui Labasa title dispute which is the central issue at stake here.

What Stan has smartly concealed or may have tried or deliberately ignored in his defence of his cousin Salanieta Tuilomaloma as the legitimate claimant to the title, is their Rotuman origin, which is why the latter's contention is being vigorously challenged.

It is a known fact within the yavusa Wasavulu and Caumatalevu that the male bloodline of the Labasa warrior Qomate is extinct.

Native Lands Commission chairman Ratu Viliame Tagivetaua was explicitly explained this by the sauturaga of the Vanua of Labasa, Maika Raiqiso, when an inquiry into the dispute was held at Nasekula in July, 2006.

Stan and Salanieta are from the male bloodline of Rotuman chief Gagaj Varomya of Malhaha who was rescued from sea by Kia people and brought to Vuo. He married a princess from Caumatalevu by the name of Adi Mairara who gave birth to a son named Raobe Lailai. Raobe married a woman from the chiefly clan of Wasavulu known as Adi Losalini Watimasirewa.

They had a son named Viliame Lautiki who married a part-European from Kadavu, Donalesi McGoon, and had two children Ratu Viliame Baleilevuka, who was Salanieta's father, and Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma, Stan's mother.

This blood connection is well known in Rotuma and I challenge Stan to come forth with the truth.

Maikali Drauna

Labasa

Defending the Qomate legacy

www.fijitimes.com - Sunday, January 20, 2008

Labasa was defended by Ratu Tevita Qomate against marauding tribes The fight for the position of Tui Labasa has been on going for generations with two family members of Labasa's chiefly Mataqali Wasavulu, the Draunas and the Dimuris, forever vying for a position they know is not theirs traditionally.

The current holder is Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma Qomate Ritova of the Qomate clan, who has been officially declared by the Native Land and Fisheries Commission (NLC) in Suva, as the rightful holder of theTui Labasa title. But this has been challenged by factions of Labasa's chiefly mataqali (land owning unit) of Wasavulu and the NLC appeals tribunal is sitting in Labasa on February 8 to hear the appeal.

Adi Salanieta succeeded her younger brother, Ratu Joeli Tinai Ritova, when he died in 2004. Ratu Joeli in turn succeeded his older brother Senator Ratu Tevita Qomate Ritova, who passed away prematurely in July 1997.

I am their first cousin because my late mother, Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma Qomate, and their late father, Ratu Viliame Baleilevuka Ritova, were siblings and the recognised paramount chiefs of Labasa when their father, the then Tui Labasa, Ratu Viliame Lautiki died in the late 1800s.

He was allegedly killed by Fijian sorcery (draunikau) administered by his enemies, according to my information which I've explained in my book, which is in the throes of completion.

Ratu Viliame Lautiki was the son of Ratu Tevita Qomate, the true paramount chief of Labasa, and who was a descendant of the adventurous and colourful chief Ratu Ritova. He was one of the two chiefs from Macuata province who signed the Deed of Cession ceding Fiji to Queen Victoria in October 1874. The other chief was Ratu Katonivere, whose great-grandson, Ratu Aisea Katonivere, is the current Tui Macuata.

Ratu Tevita Qomate was adored and revered by the people of Labasa because he defended them repeatedly against marauding tribes who tried to conquer Labasa and never did.

He was reported to have been seriosly wounded during one of those conflicts and was taken to his island of Yanuca situated between the two Labasa rivers, the Labasa and Qawa rivers, to recover. Labasa Town is on banks of the Labasa River and the Fiji Sugar Corporation sugar mill is on the Qawa River.

Where were the other so-called chiefs claiming the Tui Labasa title, when Ratu Tevita Qomate was busy defending Labasa and her people in those early wars?

For their qusi ni loaloa (the Fijian custom of washing off of the war paint) and in gratitude for his leadership, the people of Labasa presented him with just under 1400 acres of some of the best land in Labasa listed officially in the records of the Native Land Trust Board and the NLC as the land of the Descendants of Qomate. And that is proudly us my first cousins and I and a surviving half brother plus all our children and grandchildren.

I think this is a unique situation in the annals of the NLTB and NLC and we treasure it.

In actual fact the people of Labasa also presented Ratu Tevita Qomate with all their fishing rights because the NLTB and NLFC records show that the Labasa fishing rights belong to Qomate and is listed as Qomate's Fishing Rights, which extend seaward to the main sea reef from the Wailevu river just south of the Labasa river mouth,and northwards from there to the Mataniwai river.

The records are there for public information.

Other factions of Wasavulu Mataqali muscled in after Ratu Viliame's Lautiki's tragic passing and took over the position of Tui Labasa and ruled without any people because the people continued to recognise my mother, Adi Salanieta and her brother, Ratu Viliame, as their chiefs and have contined to do so with us, their children.

About 60 years later in 1975 my first cousin, Ratu Tevita Qomate Ritova, later appointed a Great Council of Chiefs Senator representing Macuata province, and the eldest son of my mother's brother, was named Tui Labasa, returning the title to its true owners, but only after official intervention.

The late Ratu William Toganivalu, who was Minister for Fijian Affairs at the time, intervened and recalled Colonel George Mate who had just retired in 1975 as Chairman of the NLC and requested him to "straighten out" the situation which he did.

I know this because I was involved.

Col Mate ruled then and informed the elders of Mataqali Wasavulu, many of whom have since passed on, that only the direct descendants of Ratu Tevita Qomate as head of the mataqali were entitled to the title of Tui Labasa and no one else. Period.

The descendants of these family factions who are now claiming the title, know this but have chosen to ignore the information.

Ratu Tevita's installation was a historical and colourful affair in the rara (village green) of Nasekula, the chiefly village of Labasa, in June 1975.

The Tui Macuata at the time, Ratu Raio Katonivere, assisted by his close relative and also high chief of Macuata, Ratu Vuki, and members of the chiefly clan of Caumatalevu conducted the installation ceremony and all the pomp that went with it on a typical beautiful sunny Labasa day.

The fact that the Tui Macuata agreed to conduct the ceremony was in itself evidence that he recognised and believed the true holder of the chiefly position.

And what's more, it had never been done before not in a long time anyway.

Ratu Tevita and I later undertook to build Ro Qomate House for the people in Labasa. This being rented to the Fiji Government for office space.

It was started in 1996 and when Ratu Tevita passed in 1997, I took it over and with the help of Ratu Joeli who succeeded him, finished it in 1998 free of charge apart from being paid for air fares from Suva to Labasa and telephone charges to show our allegiance to the vanua of Labasa and its indigenous people.

And though I live in Sydney now for the time being for the sake of convenience, my allegiance and pride for the place where I was born and lived my early life is still very strong and undying.

The records of the Qomate dynasty are available at the NLC for the public to inspect.

There is nothing sinister or secret about them.

The information was recorded during the Veitarogi Vanua in 1948 organised and administered by the late Fijian high chief and statesman, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, when he was inquiring into Fijian-owned land boundaries and fishing rights for the NLC and NLTB records shortly after he established the organisations to administer and control all Fijian-owned land.

And it is just as well he did because unfortunately there are no dedicated written records of early Fijian history and what transipred in the early days apart from early missionary records, after Christianity arrived on our shores in 1835.

Fijian family history is handed down by mouth and fortunately I took note when the aged told stories of the olden days.

I might just add for the record that during my mother's and her brother's early life they did not complain to anyone about the title of Tui Labasa being taken away from them.

They just carried on with the work of the vanua spending their personal earnings from the six-monthly proceeds of rent from the descendants of Qomate land on their people and their needs.

The British colonial Government recognised them and no one else as the paramount chiefs of Labasa.

We, their surviving children, were also brought up on this money and were well cared for.

In actual fact we did better than most but my mother was always concerned about her people who adored her, visiting them regularly in the 43 villages in the district at the time with me as a young boy, in tow.

Our mode of transport was by taxi as there weren't any buses back in those days the late 1930s, the 1940s and 1950s. It was just after the cart and horse era. I am afraid it is always the colour of money that inspires people to claim something that is not theirs.

The appeals tribunal is going to sit in Labasa next month. The question the tribunal should ask these pretenders is, "where are your people and whom do you represent?" Simple.

Meanwhile, the Tui Labasa, Adi Salanieta is in Suva preparing for the NLC appeals tribunal and has engaged the services of top Suva lawyer, Wendell Archibald, to represent her and the Qomate family. "Meanwhile, life goes on," she said.

Stan Ritova

Fijian Chiefs Installation Lagging

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

MORE than 3000 customary positions in Fiji are yet to be filled, the Native Lands and Fisheries Commission said.

In a statement it said installations were carried out depending on the call of the vanua, adding that there was no particular number of installations that could be carried out in a year.

The commission said there were four disputes that were yet to be settled this year.

Army commends Eddie

ANA NIUMATAIWALU
Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Lance Bombardier Edward Lilo receives his award from Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel SL Humphrey of the British Army+ Enlarge this image

Lance Bombardier Edward Lilo receives his award from Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel SL Humphrey of the British Army

EVERY year our young men and women sign up to join the British Army as they look abroad for employment opportunities that are getting scarce locally.

For many joining, the British Army is a dream come true as you get the chance to travel the world and see places that you would only see at the movie theatres or on television.

On the same note it is also another way of these young men and women get a chance to help their families back home here in Fiji.

It's a job not for the faint hearted but at the same time these young men and women do get recognised for their efforts and contribution to the service.

Many tend to shy away or take the award or recognition brushing it off as just something anyone would do if placed in the same position or doing what they are paid for and expected to do.

One such example is Lautoka lad Edward Lilo, who received a certificate of commendation for his contribution to the Coalition Mission in the Multi National Forces while serving in Iraq last year.

Edward serves as a Lance Bombardier and is based at Tidworth in the United Kingdom.

For Edward at the time of his applying to the British Army it was the 'in thing' that he and most of his school mates from Natabua High School saw as the next best option to further education or finding a job locally.

"Back in high school I and two close friends would sit in the corner scratching our heads wondering what excuses to give our parents during parent's day when they saw our poor grades," remembers Edward.

"My dad had asked me what I wanted to do but I always knew what I wanted to do ever since I was in high school.

"It was either join up with the British Army or stay in Lautoka with my other friends scratching our heads around the place," he said.

Edward said he would remember his father would be worried about him because everytime he would see Edward he would see his other two close friends from school.

"They would call us the three musketeers and were worried that we would not get married or have children because we would be following each other around all the time,"

At a time when employment opportunities in the country are so few we are losing our young men and women to the British Army.

Edward, 25, grew up in Lautoka and is the second eldest of four children of Tina and Rollan Lilo of Waiyavi a neighbourhood known to house many part-European families.

Edward hails from a family that is more known for the hockey players it has produced for the country.

He was educated at Lautoka Primary School before completing his secondary education at Natabua High School.

After finishing secondary school, Edward applied to the British Army at the height of the 2000 crisis.

The kai Ra lad got the call up to join the army the following year but when he got there they found out he was too young to apply.

"So I had to stay with a Fijian family while I was there until I turned 20 to enlist in the army," he said.

"The award came as a surprise because I was just carrying out my duties.

"I got the award while serving out in Iraq.

"In the citation the army said the award was fully deserved and was in recognition of my sterling work.

"They said I made an outstanding contribution to one of the brigade's key strike capabilities.

"The citation said while working a 17-hour day with a punishing work schedule I had used my own initiative to provide care and support to younger soldiers, organised sporting and stimulating activities on the gun position.

"But everyone worked exceptionally hard across the deployment. It's a big award and will be in my records forever," he says proudly. He has served with the British Army for six years. Out of the 5500 soldiers serving in the British Army only six received the same commendation that was awarded to Edward.

Back off, chiefs tell regime

www.fijitimes.com - Tuesday, February 05, 2008

THREE chiefs have cautioned the interim Government over the appointment of a President.

Bua chief Ratu Kinijoji Vakawaletabua said most Fijians were not ready for a non-Fijian President, let alone a commoner.

Speaking from his village in Dama, he said he would rather die than see a change in leadership.

Ratu Kinijoji said many things affecting Fijian institutions and Fijian leadership in the country had been changed.

He said the Great Council of Chiefs had been suspended and the Ministry of Fijian Affairs downgraded to a department.

The only thing the Fijians could look up to was the Presidency, he said.

Ratu Kinijoji warned if that was taken away from Fijians, then nothing would be left for chiefs and Fijians to aspire to in terms of leadership in this nation.

Rewa paramount chief Ro Teimumu Kepa said the point was not whether the next President was a Fijian or a chief.

It was about letting the Great Council of Chiefs choose the best person for the job, she said.

"In my view, I don't really know where we are heading to," she said.

"These changes that the interim administration is doing regardless of whether it's constitutional. They just do whatever they want."

Ro Filipe Tuisawau said people in Fiji should understand the basic rationale of the GCC choosing a Fijian President.

"That is to recognise and appreciate the role of the Fijian chiefs," he said.

"The Fijian people and their chiefs have played a key role in the building of the modern nation state of Fiji and their role in directly choosing one of their own as the President is recognition of this.

"It was a political settlement and is politically correct and any pragmatic person can understand this."

He said the President's Office represented the unity of traditional Fiji and the modern state.

"The key to all our on-going problems is to return to democratic rule as soon as possible and for the regime to stop creating legal minefields as it created too many already," he said.

Ratu Ovini Bokini, the former GCC chairman, said he had no comments to make.

Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the turaga na Qaranivalu from Naitasiri, declined to comment.

Efforts to get a comment from Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu proved futile yesterday.

10 October 1874: Chiefs sign Deed of Cession of Fiji to Great Britain

Instrument of Cession of the Islands of Fiji by Thakombau, styled Tui Viti and Vuni Valu, and by the other high Chiefs of the said islands to Her Most gracious Majesty Victoria, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c &c &c:

Whereas divers of the subjects of Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland have from time to time settled in the Fijian group of islands and have acquired property or certain pecuniary interests therein; And Whereas the Fijian Chief Thakombau styled Tui Viti and Vuni Valu and the other high native chiefs of the said islands are desirious [sic] of securing the promotion of civilization and Christianity and of increasing trade and industry within the said islands; And Whereas it is obviously desirable, in the interests as well of the native as of the white population, that order and good government should be established therein; And Whereas the said Tui Viti and other high chiefs have conjointly and severally requested Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland aforesaid to undertake the government of the said islands henceforth; And Whereas in order to the establishment of British government within the said islands the said Tui Viti and other the several high chiefs thereof for themselves and their respective tribes have agreed to cede the possession of and the dominion and sovereignty over the whole of the said islands and over the inhabitants thereof and have requested Her said Majesty to accept such cession,- which cession the said Tui Viti and other high chiefs, relying upon the justice and generosity of Her said Majesty, have determined to tender unconditionally,- and which cession on the part of the said Tui Viti and other high chiefs is witnessed by their execution of these presents and by the formal surrender of the said territory to Her said Majesty; And Whereas His Excellency Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, Knight Commander of the most distinguished* order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor Commander in Chief and Vice Admiral of The British Colony of New South Wales and its dependencies, and Governor of Norfolk Island, hath been authorised and deputed by Her said Majesty to accept on Her behalf the said Cession: Now These Presents Witness:

1. That the possession of and full sovereignty and dominion over the whole of the group of islands in the South PaciÞc Ocean known as the Fijis (and lying between the parallels of latitude of fifteen degrees South and twenty two degrees South of the Equator and between the Meridians of longitude of one hundred and seventy seven degrees West and one hundred and seventy five degrees East of the meridian of Greenwich) and over the inhabitants thereof, together with the possession of and sovereignty over the waters adjacent thereto and of and over all ports harbours havens roadsteads rivers estuaries and other waters and all reefs and foreshores within or adjacent thereto, are hereby ceded to and accepted on behalf of Her said Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland her heirs and successors, to the intent that from this time forth the said islands and the waters reefs and other places as aforesaid lying within or adjacent thereto may be annexed to and be a possession and dependency of the British Crown.

2. That the form or constitution of government, the means of the maintenance thereof, and the laws* and regulations to be administered within the said islands shall be such as Her Majesty shall prescribe and determine.

3. That, pending the making by Her Majesty as aforesaid of some more permanent provision for the government of the said islands His Excellency Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, in pursuance of the powers in him vested and with the consent and at the request of the said Tui Viti and other high Chiefs the ceding parties hereto, shall establish such temporary or provisional government as to him may seem meet.

4. That the absolute proprietorship of all lands not shown to be now alienated so as to have become bona fide the* property of Europeans or other foreigners or not now in the actual use or occupation of some Chief or tribe or not actually required for the probable future support and maintenance of some chief or tribe shall be and is hereby declared to be vested in Her said Majesty her heirs and successors.


5. That Her Majesty shall have power, whenever it shall be deemed necessary for public purposes, to take any lands upon payment to the proprietor of a reasonable sum by way of compensation for the deprivation thereof.


6. That all now existing public buildings houses and offices, all enclosures and other pieces or parcels of land now set apart or being used for public purposes, and all stores fittings and other articles now being used in connection with such purposes are hereby assigned transferred and made over to Her said Majesty.


7. That on behalf of Her Majesty His Excellency Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson promises (1.) that the rights and interests of the said Tui Viti and other high chiefs the ceding parties hereto shall be recognised so far as is and shall be consistent with British Sovereignty and Colonial form of government, (2.) that all questions of financial liabilities and engagements shall be carefully scrutinized and dealt with upon principles of justice and sound public policy,
(3.) that all claims to title to land by whomsoever preferred and all claims to pensions or allowances whether on the part of the said Tui Viti and other high chiefs or of persons now holding office under them or any of them shall in due course be fully investigated and equitably adjusted.

In Witness whereof, the whole of the contents of this instrument of Cession having been, previously to the execution of the same, interpreted and explained to the ceding parties hereto by David Wilkinson Esquire, the interpreter nominated by the said Tui Viti and the other high chiefs and accepted as such interpreter by the said Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, the respective parties hereto have hereunto set their hands and seals.


Done at Levuka this tenth day of October, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy four.

Cakobau R. Tui Viti and Vunivalu (Seal)

Maafu (Seal)

Hercules Robinson (Seal)

Tui Cakau (Seal)

Ratu Epeli (Seal)

Vakawalitabua Tui Bua (Seal)

Savenaca (Seal)

Esekele (Seal)

B. V. Tui Dreketi( Seal)

Ritova (Seal)

Kato-nivere (Seal)

Ratu Kini (Seal)

Matanitobu (Seal)

Nacagilevu (Seal)

I hereby certify that, prior to the execution of the above Instrument of Cession - which execution I do hereby attest - I fully and faithfully interpreted and explained to the ceding parties the whole of the contents of the said document, the interlineations appearing on line 33 of page 1 and on line 30 of page 2 having been Þrst made, and that such contents were fully understood and assented to by the said ceding parties. Prior to the execution of the said instrument of Cession I wrote out an interpretation of the same in the Fijian language, which interpretation I read to the Tui Viti and other high chiefs the ceding parties, who one and all approved thereof.
A copy of such interpretation is hereto annexed marked A.
Dated this tenth day of October, A.D. 1874.

D. Wilkinson
Chief Interpreter
The interpreter named in the foregoing instrument of Cession

Report to UN CERD - Geneva

A paper on racism

www.fijitimes.com -Friday, January 25, 2008

THE race-based communal voting system in Fiji and lack of national identity for citizens have been identified as major problems of racial discrimination says the Citizens Constitutional Forum.

In their submission to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), CCF chief executive Reverend Akuila Yabaki, said the most disturbing feature of racism in the country was the communal voting system inherited from the colonial government.

"Issues related to racial discrimination covered in the submission include the coups and the impacts, the Reconciliation Tolerance and Unity Bill, preferential treatment by previous governments, race-based affirmative action in education and other areas, unresolved land issues and growth of squatter settlements.

"In addition, there is disproportionate migration of Indians, racist provisions in the Immigration Act, suicide rate and the Government's failure to provide a national identity that united non-indigenous and Fijians."

Mr Yabaki said religious intolerance was also seen as a manifestation of racism in Fiji.

He said the Laisenia Qarase-led government had embarked on new land bills which would have had a devastating effect on Indians and other ethnic minority groups such as descendants of Solomon Islanders, Rabi, Kioa, Chinese, Europeans, Part-Europeans and other races.

"These include the Qoliqoli Bill and the Indigenous Tribunal Bill.

"The bills would have placed greater restrictions on non-indigenous people over the ownership and use of land and the sea."

Mr Yabaki said the military stated that the Qoliqoli Bill was one of the reasons for the 2006 coup because it would have created tension in the already strained race relation communities in Fiji.

He said the Great Council of Chiefs did not cater for the interests of other ethnic groups similar to the Native Land Trust Board.

"The GCC nominates the President and 14 of the 32 senators as a guarantee of assurance of majority indigenous representation. Citizens of all other ethnic groups with no representation in the GCC are therefore excluded from the presidential nomination process which ideally should be inclusive of all citizens." On the land issue, Mr Yabaki said since the colonial government was formed in 1874, it has ensured that land remained with the indigenous people and that was how 90 per cent of the land belonged to the indigenous community.

The paper which was endorsed by three non-government organisations including the CCF, Women's Action for Change and the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy, was sent to Geneva on January 19.

The submission assessed the quality and extent of efforts made by the government since 2002 to comply with its obligations under the CERD convention.

No word on GCC report from regime

www.fijitimes.com - Friday, January 25, 2008

THE taskforce on the Great Council of Chiefs has not heard anything from the interim Government since their report was tabled in Cabinet last year says taskforce chairman Ratu Tu'uakitau Cokanauto.

Ratu Tu'uakitau said the team was still waiting for a feed back from the interim government.

"Everything seems to be on silence mode," saud Ratu Tu'uakitau.

"The last I heard was that the report required another Cabinet paper but since there has been a change to ministerial appointments nothing has been forthcoming."

Ratu Tu'uakitau said they would await word form the interim Government to determine their next course of action.

The report recommends that the President select the 52-member council and that those who are bankrupt and have criminal records be excluded.

It recommends that chiefs decide between being politicians or members of the GCC.

The team travelled throughout the 14 provinces and spoke to representatives of the Rotuma Council about the review of the GCC and compiled the report.

HANDS OFF OUR LAND

www.fijidailypost.com - 18-Jan-2008

Talk to us first, says Indigenous body

AN indigenous group says they will take the Interim Government to court over the legality of the formation of a Committee on Better Utilisation of Land (CBUL) which was approved by the interim Cabinet in its first sitting this week.

The Fiji Indigenous Ownership Rights Association (FIORA) says the establishment of the CBUL as a legislation is illegal and that the regime is yet again practicing a top-down approach while making decisions for the nation.

Association secretary, Francis Waqa Sokonibogi said the regime wants to continue what the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) was doing over the past 60 years, only this time shifting from the NLTB to another “illegal body”, under the international law.

The association which compromises 60 representatives from landowning units (mataqali), have strongly opposed the new land body which they believe will be making decisions on how they had to utilise their land. The only International Law that binds the Fiji Government Sokonibogi said is the ILO Convention Law Number 169, Article 6 (2).

It states: “No form of force or coercion shall be used in violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people’s concerned, including the rights contained in this Convention.” He believes the formation of this land body is another of the Interim Government’s action to make decisions for the native landowners.

“What the Interim Government has done is just perpetuate the Colonial top-down policy by deciding for the Fijian people on what to do with their land,” Sokonibogi said.

Sokonibogi said it was only correct if the Government consults with the native owners before any legislation is passed. But this, they failed to do, including the NLTB.

“The new committee (CBUL) body in itself is illegal, not mentioning the legality of the Interim Government,” he said. The interim Cabinet had based its decision on a submission by the interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, on Tuesday.

The formation of this committee has raised eyebrows recently and there were criticisms, especially by indigenous bodies and political parties. Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewevanua leader and ousted PM, Laisenia Qarase, had earlier said for the interim regime to resolve the problems of agricultural land rather than land usage.

Bainimarama said the committee came about as a result of a resolution by the interim Cabinet in 2007, that the Ministry of Fijian Affairs teamed up with the NLTB and the Provincial Administration to approach landowners regarding ALTA leases that had or were about to expire.

Sokonibogi further argued that what the regime did was legislate the land body to look into the utilisation of Fijian land which was illegal.

“In fact, it has been gazetted that the land outside of ALTA will be divided by them (interim government) through the NLTB and the zoning of the area will be dependant on them, not by the native landowners. This is illegal under any Convention, even under the Human Rights Bill in the Fiji Constitution.”

FIORA with other associations are going to seek legal right to take the matter to court in litigation to find out the truth of the legality of this committee.

“We not going to make another coup but we are going to take this Interim Government to court – to decide who is right and who is wrong,” Sokonibogi said.

He said Fijians could make more money out of their land by farming and selling or exporting their produce rather than depend on the lease money which was way less.

He added that the whole exercise by the regime was a masquerade of consultation.

Sokonibogi said there were thousands of acres of freehold land lying idle next to areas like Deuba and so fourth.

“That’s freehold land. Why don’t they (government) deal with that freehold land and make it productive? Why are they not touching vacant freehold land instead, they are coming to take our land? Sokonibogi questioned.

“Initially freehold land was done for national interest and not the native land. Now they are claming it for the national interest by leasing it out.”

He added that the government’s intention was to pressure the native land to be alienated from its rightful owners, the Fijians.

“The native land is for the benefit for the Fijian people. If this is not the case then its illegal, under the trust act – must be for the benefit of the beneficiaries. They should hold discussions with the grassroots people and that they never did.”

But Bainimarama strongly refuted criticisms in the media that the regime was trying to establish a Land Use Commission.

He said the interim Cabinet had only approved the formation of a committee which gives advice to the landowners on the utilisation of land.


By CAROLINE DELAIVONI

Laucala in a class of its own

15/1/2008 - www.sun.com.fj

The Laucala Island Resort project is the biggest in this part of the world, says Interim Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau.

Ratu Epeli said his assessment was based on feedbacks he had received. "Recently, two of my overseas friends who had visited Laucala told me that they have not seen anything like it before," the Cakaudrove chief said.

"Already, the huge project is benefitting locals in terms of employment and sale of food like root crops. "Farmers in Taveuni and other parts of Vanua Levu are already supplying dalo, cassava and rourou to the island on weekly basis to feed the huge workforce."

Ratu Epeli said the island had a 700-strong workforce comprising locals and expatriates.
Indonesian workers he said went to Naqara on Taveuni in Yaqara to do their Saturday shopping.
"The Indonesians are here to carve the marble gates, which is a difficult task that requires only specialists."
Ratu Epeli pointed out Laucala Island's previous owner millionaire Malcolm Forbes had constructed an airstrip on the island which was now being extended to accommodate bigger aircrafts.

Jimmy Subhaydas finds melody in his farm

2-Jan-2008 - www.fijidailypost.com

THE village of Draiba in Ovalau has many fond memories one of which made waves in the country back in the 80s when one of its sons had been performing on stage in the music industry.

Little as he was, the then singer now turned villager, Jim Subhaydas was turning heads everywhere he went because of his melodious voice.

But the lights have dimmed for the now 52-year-old villager who has preferred to take life on the slow lane and get back to what he loves doing best and that is fishing and farming for a living.

Subhaydas, who was the fifth child in his family, used to love sitting around with the older men of the village after they got back from a long day of fishing and farming and listen to their stories.

Coming from a family who fished for a living, Jim- as he was and still is commonly known -decided to try out his hands and do the same for a living.

But after some time, the enthusiasm for fishing died out after he was recognised during a Talent Quest in Levuka Town in 1979 where well known Fijian composer Master Iliesa Baravilala was one of the judges.

“That was the turning point for me and I moved on from there to sing with the famous Fijian band named Kalokalo Cavu ni Koro Makawa and one of the famous songs that we sang is titled Sai Levuka Ga,” said Jim.

With an Indian father and a Fijian mother who hailed from Bau Island, Jim held dear the disciplined characteristics his parents instilled in him with high regard and that is the motivation he has lived with until today.

“My family supported me in my singing career but always reminded me that I had to get into something else for a living because I was going to get old some day,” he said with a smile during this interview.

With that in mind, Jim built on this career and recorded more songs with fellow musicians.

“We mostly sang songs that were composed by Master Baravilala and it was truly inspiring to work with a great composer like him,” he said.

But as the years went on, Jim settled down with a wife and had three children and the thought of moving on in life nagged at him for some time.

“Finally I decided to leave the music scene quietly and make our living with my family in the comfort of village surroundings in the only place that we have called our home - Levuka,” he said.

“The only thing that I thought was going to benefit the family in the long run was fishing so I started off with that and it really went well for me,” he added.

“But as the years wore on, I realised I had to engage in farming as well because it would be another source of income for the family.”

So farming was what he did and Jim has never regretted a moment of it saying there are so many benefits one gets from farming and fishing.

Jim has got a fish trap erected out at sea and every low tide, he goes out to check on it.
“I have been selling my fish at home since I have two freezers big enough to store all the fish that I catch.”

Jim plants dalo (taro) on half an acre of land and yaqona (kava) on two hectares.

“I have two labourers who look after my plantation and at times I also tend to the farm just to see how my crops are growing,” he said.

Jim added that as years went by and age was fast catching up with him, he realised more than ever that time was of essence and should not be wasted on petty things.

“I only wish that I could turn back the hands of time and live life again as a strong young man so that I could prove my worth on the land one more time,” said Jim.

“Life gets difficult when you grow older and I have to admit that farming is something that will keep us going for a long time because we were all meant to look after God’s given gift and that is the land.”

Jim sells his dalo (taro) and yaqona (kava) to consumers in Levuka and hopes to probably ship them to the bigger market in Suva.

“That is why I wish I could turn back the hands of time so that I could plant a whole lot more, but life goes on and this should be a lesson for youths around the country,” said Jim.

“Do not waste any minute of your time, but if you have a piece of land, please till it for a living and the rewards are endless as I am realising now,” he said.

Jim has been working closely with Ministry of Agriculture officials in Levuka in sorting things out on his farm.

“Whenever they come over to visit my farm, I ask them for advice on the problems that I face on the farm and that is my suggestion to everyone on the island of Ovalau to do the same,” he advised.

Jim gave up everything a lucrative and glamorous career to build his life on the farm.

“I gave up my singing career and a taxi that I owned to concentrate fully on the farming and fishing business, so that is where I am today.”

He has no intention of getting back into the singing business as his interest for singing has died but will probably enter the limelight again for old time’s sake.

“That, only time will tell, but fishing and farming is the way for me to go and I am content with that,” he said with a smile.



KUINI WAQASAVOU of the Ministry of Agriculture

A puzzling divorce

3-Jan-2008 - www.fijidailypost.com

WHAT is going on between the Tailevu landowners and Fulton College? How can a sustained and presumably amicable 67-year-old relationship break down with such apparent bitterness and rancour? What is really behind this mess? Is it just about money? Perhaps that’s a silly question – land issues eventually devolve to being about money. But who is pushing for such an immediate, final and irrevocable financial end to the hitherto harmonious relationship? Is it the landowners alone – some of whom, are, or have been, members of the Seventh-day Adventist church which operates Fulton? Has something else untoward come between them and the Fulton people – something which is triggering such a land-slide of bad-will?

The college has been the beneficiary of a tenancy arrangement that may or may not have had the authority of past landlords and the legitimacy of NLTB stamps. There are always two sides to a land dispute. The High Court has made a ruling in the landowner’s favour which is being appealed. There is nothing unremarkable about that: legal matters always tend to longevity of process and that is one of the costs that all parties pay for going to court in the first place.

An eviction notice to a highly esteemed private college which has educationally served the public of Fiji in many long-term and deep-structural ways is a device that needs deconstructing. Is it really just a symptom of frustration? Or perhaps a cheap shot across the bows of an organisation already on the back-foot?

Justice is of utmost importance in land dealings. But reconciliation is its twin. There can be no final justice without reconciliation and there can be no lasting reconciliation without a just settlement. Our nation’s future is too often ripped apart on a failure to grasp this critical duality. Moreover, on land related issues, the relationship between tenant and landlord is always in process – as much as we may wish, it can never be taken for granted or filed away as ‘do not disturb’. In long-term leases, generations come and go. Each will have a new conception of what is owed and what is not. New pressures can intervene to make old arrangements seem unreasonable. New voices can come along to interpose themselves on so-called ‘settled’ claims.

All of which means simply that relationships must be massaged, rocked gently in the cradle of ongoing diplomacy. Only in this way can a win-win come out of contractual arrangements. As things stand, there is every prospect of parties to the dispute losing badly and of the nation losing overall the cultural capital of a valued educational asset.

NLTB Rejects Chaudhry's Land Proposal

Rejected : NLTB wants in-depth study

ROBERT MATAU - www.fijitimes.com
Saturday, March 01, 2008

THE Native Land Trust Board has rejected a report by an independent consultant on sugar recommending the de-reservation of all native land.

Board lawyer and spokesman Ro Alipate Mataitini said they had returned the report by Dr M Krishnamurthi to interim Finance and Sugar Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.

Mr Chaudhry had forwarded the report to the NLTB for consideration on January 14.

"You will note that the Krishnamurthi Report recommended the de-reservation of all native land," Ro Alipate said.

"As far as the NLTB is concerned that is not an option since Fijians will be alienated from their land for at least two generations."

Ro Alipate said the report had been sent back to Mr Chaudhry with the recommendation for an in-depth research on the recommendations.

"At its 392nd meeting held at the NLTB head office in Suva this morning, the NLTB board elected not to endorse the report which proposed ways to rehabilitate the sugar industry," he said yesterday.

Efforts to get a comment from Mr Chaudhry yesterday proved futile.

The Krishnamurthi report says the first step in salvaging the sugar industry would be to de-reserve all native land.

"It is obvious that four hectare farms are uneconomical," the report said.

"Thus lots of 40 to 400ha are to be created and leased to one individual or company without affecting land ownership.

"The ownership will continue to be vested in the title holder.

"All investment will be by the lessee.

"The lease period is to be a minimum of 75 years or more."

The aims of the report include:

- Provide guidance for the rehabilitation of the sugar industry in Fiji and elsewhere where Fiji may have an interest;

- offer solutions for maximising land use, especially native reserves;

- help to improve production of sugar over the next four years; and

- diversify farmers income through relay crops.

Ro Alipate said the de-reservation of native land would only proceed on the merits of each application for a lease, and only with the majority consent of the landowning unit concerned.

"Management has been given approval to provide details to the Committee on Better Utilisation of Land on the costs of administering rent subsidies and the criteria for qualification of rent subsidies, given the recent increase in percentage of the unimproved capital value of native land," he said.

"The board noted the visit by a Chinese delegation promoting ethanol production from cassava and the delegation's contention that the new venture would be tailor-made for native landowners.

"The board suggested that such ventures as the one proposed by the Chinese could be just one of the many ways to expand the use of native land.

"Management has been encouraged to explore more ways to meet costs of rent subsidies."

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Ex-Methodist boss to be a chief

www.sun.com.fj - 28/12/07

A former Methodist Church president will tomorrow be installed as a traditional leader.Reverend Ratu Isireli Caucau will be installed as the Tora ni Bau (Chief of Batiki) in a traditional ceremony on Saturday at his home village of Mua on Batiki in the Lomaiviti Group.

Ratu Isireli, 79, said he was looking forward to giving his best to serve his people.“Already I have served as the Methodist president whereby I looked after the welfare of more than 100,000 people and serving the people is nothing new to me,” Ratu Isireli said.“But the good thing about it is that I will have something to offer back to my people. “Church and the vanua are interrelated and must go together.”

Ratu Isireli said this was an opportune time for him to serve his own people.He said he was passionate about serving his own people.Ratu Isireli is also the chairman of the Batiki District School. “One of the plans I intended to implement next year is to improve the school,” he said. “This will includes meeting with teachers and parents and to work out ways to increase quality pass rate of students at the island,” said Ratu Isireli.

The installation ceremony will begin after a church service led by Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu. “Mataqali Lewenikoro, of which I am a member, will perform the installation,” said Ratu Isireli.

Fijian Savings Scheme

Study a waste of money: A-G

Last updated 12/23/2007 -www.sun.com.fj

A study commissioned by the ousted Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Government to look into the viability of a proposed scheme that would benefit indigenous Fijians and Rotumans which cost about $162,000 has been considered a waste of public funds. The Auditor General’s 2007 special investigation report revealed the National Savings Scheme was initially a blueprint programme and the objective was to instill a savings culture within the target group and help them build a capital fund to finance future business and investment activities. The report said Fijian Holdings Limited was engaged to carry out a feasibility study that would determine the long term viability of the scheme. The report of the study was to assist government in deciding whether to approve of reject the scheme concept based on key financial investment analysis. It is understood that part five of the agreement between government and FHL on January 20, 2006 provided for a VAT inclusive fee of $102,000 comprising consultancy services of $90,000 and reimbursable expenses not exceeding $12,000. In May 2006, the scope of the study expanded to include other races and the PM’s Office and FHL deliberated on the changes to the terms of reference between March and May 2006. This extended scope the report said amounted to an additional $60,000 was approved by the Major Tenders Board in August 2006. The AG recommended that unless the government used the report, it might be just one of the many reports that were shelved for some reason that government was not prepared to be transparent about. “Consequently, if the government would like specific areas to be covered in a study such as this with conclusive results, these should be clearly described in the scope and deliverables of the study. “Unless this happens, the expenditure of $162,000 may therefore be considered a waste of public funds,” the report said. Former chief executive officer in the PM’s office Joji Kotobalavu said the report was studied by the then SDL led government and the usefulness of it was that it informed government that a scheme for compulsory savings exclusively for Fijians would not be in accord with Fiji’s Constitution.

Need for more dialogue: CCF

20 DEC 2007 - www.fijilive.com

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There needs to be more dialogue between landowners and tenants to address the issue of land problems, says the Citizens Constitutional Forum.

Responding to recent reports that tenants homes were being demolished without their knowledge in Davuilevu, CCF chief executive Rev Akuila Yabaki said landowners are not respecting their own lease terms and conditions.

“It is alarming that landowners are demolishing buildings of tenants and forcing them to move out without notice.

“It shows that the NLTB has been unable to find an acceptable solution to the land problem in Fiji. It also shows that politicians and former Prime Ministers and governments have been unable to find an acceptable solution,” Yabaki said.

Yabaki said it is the responsibility of Government and landowners to make available a reasonable amount of land, that can be used by those that don’t own any land.

“The Great Council of Chiefs and the Methodist Church have failed in their duties to create an understanding about the national importance of making adequate land available for use by landless people.”

Fijilive

Singh shows flair for Fijian formalities

ERNEST HEATLEY - www.fiitimes.com
Thursday, December 20, 2007

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Trilinguist ...Dinesh Bui Singh of Navua.

AT first sight, Dinesh 'Bui' Singh, looks like your average farmer with his flowing beard and grizzled looks, shaped no doubt by years of working the land.

It's only when he rattles off in fluent Namosi dialect that you begin to realise Bui is not your average man.

The farmer from Wailoaloa, Lobau, in Navua turned heads at the town's open day last week when he presented a whale's tooth or kamunaga to the chief guest, Police Commissioner Esala Teleni.

During the qaloqalovi (a presentation of a whale's tooth to welcome a guest), the ease with which he delivered his speech, which was punctuated with humour that drew giggles from the crowd, left guests, including Commissioner Teleni, in awe.

After the ceremony I discovered that Bui had basically spent all his life among in Wailoaloa settlement, where he has a farm.

His family is one of two Indo-Fijian families in the predominantly indigenous Fijian settlement.

Bui is a popular resident in Navua. This, to a large degree, is because of his cheerful personality and proficiency in the Fijian culture.

The latter is such that even indigenous Fijians seek his services at traditional ceremonies.

People from as far as Lami and the central Suva areas have sought his help in this respect. For instance, during the funeral of popular radio host Akuila 'Momo' Verebasaga, Bui presented the sevusevu on behalf of businessman Iqbal Jannif.

He was also called upon to present a sevusevu during the funeral of a policeman in Lami earlier this year.

On Tuesday Bui was busy preparing for his son's wedding ceremony at the family home in Wailoaloa.

He expects many people from the nearby villages to attend the wedding because his family is very close to the community.

He said his family attended almost every social gathering that occurred in the nearby villages of Nabukavesi, Namosi and Navatuloa.

"Whenever there is a gunusede on, a were koro (village grass cutting) or caka bulubulu (grave work) we are always there to assist,'' he said.

Bui proudly relays that his family is so well-versed with the local Fijian culture that even his daughter, who is in primary school, is adept at weaving mats and making coconut oil.

"Us Indians and Fijians all need to hold hands to be able to live together peacefully,'' said the part-time taxi driver.

Bui said the Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua was a good friend. They often visited each other's homes.

"In fact we are leasing his land and he comes around every once in while to visit us,'' said Bui.

Bui's family had initially settled at Vuluniwai, about 4 kilometers from the Queen's Highway, when he was a child.

It was only 14 years ago that his family decided to lease the 150-acre farm at Wailoaloa.

The family plant vegetables and rootcrops which they sell at the Navua market.

They also breed cattle.

Bui is the fourth youngest in a family of five brothers and one sister.

He looks after his 77-year-old mother. He is blessed with two daughters, one son and a grandchild.

Bui says his life is very simple and that he like is this way, just as he enjoys all the local Fijian dishes.

"Here at home we eat everything, bele, rourou, cassava, dalo and uvi and kumala. My family has been eating this and it's a normal part of our diet,'' he said.

Former Lami Mayor Jasper Singh, who is also his cousin, says Bui is great company to be around.

"I would say that he fits in all the circles and all races," said Mr Singh.

"The fact that he speaks three languages fluently is his greatest asset,'' he said.

Clans install Tui Sabeto

ANA NIUMATAIWALU

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - www.fijitimes.com

Sabeto Village had every reason to be jovial two weeks ago because they were finally installing the Na momolevu Na turaga Na Tui Sabeto Ratu Tevita Susu Mataitoga.

He succeeded his father, the late Tui Sabeto Ratu Kaliova Mataitoga who died a few years ago.

The appointment of the Tui Sabeto is done by the mataqali Bosali, not the kingmakers or the Sauturaga as in other traditions.

In most traditional outfits the chiefly clan would meet to have a meeting to decide who will be the next chief and inform the kingmakers.

For the vanua of Sabeto, the mataqali Bosali had the sole responsibility as the head of the clan and not the chiefly clan.

This installation of the new Tui Sabeto was unique because before the traditional ceremonies accorded to chief of such a high status, he was blessed as a commoner in the church among his people.

Whilst seeking blessing from the church, the new high chief Ratu Tevita also under took an oath to protect his people and uphold the teachings of the church.

Mataqali spokesman Eroni Lewaqai said during the special meeting of the mataqali Bosali to determine the next title-holder, young men or warriors are stationed outside to ensure that the meeting is not interrupted and things are done according to what the head of the mataqali says.

Once all that was in place on the bowl of yaqona that was served to him he made the announcement of who is the new Tui Sabeto, he said.

Whether or not you like the person appointed, you will just have to go with what was said. Once that is done we send out word to get all the other heads of the other mataqali in the area to convene at the same time.

We dont need their opinion of what the other mataqali have to say.

Then its decided when another meeting would be convened for the whole tikina of Sabeto, which comprises seven yavusa.

He said once all that was sorted out then duties were delegated out to everyone and their contribution.

He said the appointment and the date of the appointment were not negotiable.

Taukei Naevo Ratu Meli Saukuru

Chief implements stringent measures - www.fijivillage.com

The high chief of Dratabu village in Nadi has implemented some stringent measures in the village to ensure that they do not abuse alcohol and get into trouble during this festive season. With the rise in stabbings and other violent crimes associated with increased consumption of alcohol over the past few weeks, the Taukei Naevo, Ratu Meli Saukuru stresses that funds used for alcohol can be put aside for other expenses especially the school items. Ratu Meli feels that it is important that chiefs of the various villages take the first step to advise their people. Taukei Naevo, Ratu Meli Saukuru.