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.

Voreqe still banned from NZ

NZ remain firm on Bainimarama

Monday, December 17, 2007 - www.fijitimes.com

NEW ZEALAND will not entertain interim Prime Minister, Commander Voreqe Bainimarama's request for a visa to attend next year's Pacific Trade Expo in Auckland.

Senior press officer, James Funnell told Fiji Times Online Commander Bainimarama will not be granted a visa to visit New Zealand while sanctions remain in place.

In a Radio New Zealand International news report, the commander indicated his interest in the expo when he met with NZ Pacific Business Council chairman, Gilbert Ullrich.

During that meeting in Suva, the commander is reported to have expressed his concern about tourism and the drop in trade, saying he was interested in accompanying Fiji's delegation to New Zealand in March.

The cocoa revival

HAROLD KOI

Monday, December 17, 2007 - www.fijitimes.com

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Tevita Niumou breaks open a cocoa pod

IT is a small fruit signified on the top end of our national flag and this fruit is customarily used as an essential ingredient that brought chocolates all around the world to life.

For decades this unique fruit has been in Fiji and the people of Namau Village in Naloto, Tailevu are trying to make the best use of it.

Better known to them as Fiji's chocolate, cocoa farmers at Namau are on the verge of producing their own organic and pure cocoa products in the country.

Ultimately, they want to build Fiji's first chocolate factory, and thus be the first to make an truly original chocolate that Fiji can call it sown.

The village is situated at about 60 feet above sea level, off Lodoni Road on a hill. It is part of the mataqali Navukuta with a population of about 158 people.

The twenty-three families that live in Namau depend essentially on the somewhat 18,000 cocoa trees that surround the village.

These families work under the careful guidance of farm manager, Tevita Niumou_ a family man who has spent half of his life babysitting these green treasures.

Tevita says elders of the villager started cocoa farming in the 1960s and taught young youths the importance of the cocoa fruit.

"I left high school in 1978 and began working with my father who showed me everything there is to know about the cocoa fruit," he said.

Tevita's big dreams for his family and the whole village rests on the cocoa trees.

"Every household in the village has land breeding thousands of cocoa trees; it's our main source of income," said the 46-year-old.

He said the village was recently visited by a couple from Sweden who recognised a cocoa fruit pictured on the national flag.

He said the couple had inquired with the Ministry of Agriculture looking for the location of a cocoa farm and later found themselves at Tevita's front door.

"It was unbelievable when I later found out the tourists owned a chocolate factory in Sweden and were interested in our cocoa produce," said Tevita.

"I gave them a tour around the farm and demonstrated our way of processing cocoa beans," he said.

He said the couple were amazed with the old system used by farmers and offered to donate machines that could extract cocoa liquid for the production of chocolates.

Tevita says bumping into the couple from Sweden was sheer luck and it was even more interesting that the Fiji flag was the root cause of it.

He said the project to build a factory in Korovou has the full support of the Tailevu Provincial Council.

At a recent meeting, council chairman Josefa Serulagilagi who is also the chairman for the Tailevu Cocoa Growers and Producers Association, said the couple were from the Cocoa Bello of Sweden organisation and had advised villagers not to sell cocoa seeds but to make chocolates here in Fiji.

Mr Serulagilagi said Tailevu cocoa businesses have been running for the past 20 years and the couple's guidance was of great assistance to the Tailevu framers.

He said the couple sent experts after returning to Sweden to conduct a two-week training workshop at Namau and also invited eight participants including himself to Sweden for a two-week educational tour.

The objective, he said, was to see and learn how the finest chocolates in the world were produced and to expand their knowledge about manufacturing chocolates.

Mr Serulagilagi said the trip was sponsored by Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

He said there was even an organisation in Sweden that was willing to fund the establishment of the fist ever chocolate factory at Korovou town.

Rounds Dynasty Reunion 2007

Rounds near and far unite at family reunion

Monday, December 17, 2007 - www.fijitimes.com

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Members of Rounds family during a reunion at Pacific Harbour yesterday. In front middle is singer Michelle Rounds

Members of the Rounds family, one of more prominent Part European dynasties in Fiji, converged to says goodbye at Lomary yesterday the last day of the first reunion the clan has seen since their first descendent arrived in the country 157 years ago.

Family members from around the world have mingled since last week at Sigasiganilaca in Serua, were their patriarch laid his roots.

"We came here to honour the past, appreciate the present and prepare for the future,'' said Captain John Rounds, a member of the newly formed Rounds Family Association.

Mr Rounds said apart from remembering their ancestors, it was also time to "seek forgiveness among each other for any past differences that may have caused friction".

"We also had the opportunity to discuss future management of land and other resources in the Rounds family name in Fiji and begin work on a database of family members and the various professional skills they have to offer," he said.

Family historian, Dennis Rounds, said their descendent, Charles Rounds I, originated from Essex in England, but later moved to Massachusetts in the United States before arriving in Fiji during the 1850s. The family patriarch eventually had eleven children from Francis Pickering, seven of whom survived, all sons, to eventually raise families of their own in various parts of the country, particularly Sigatoka and Lautoka.

Close to 400 people who met at Sigasiganilaca are direct descendants of those family streams while about 200 more who turned up at the re-union, are related through marriage.

The late politician, Bruce Rounds and current interim minister, Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau, renown local architect, John Rounds, an architect who designed the Suva City Council Car Park and Handicraft Centre and Captain John Rounds, currently acting deputy secretary for Transport are some members of the family who have rose to prominence.

The family is also musically talented boasting international jazz singer Michelle Rounds and guitarist Victor Rounds, who could not make the reunion because of his tour commitments with US Grammy Award wining singer Lionel Ritchie. The Serua settlement is where the original Rounds head laid his roots and was buried in the 1880s, and was fittingly chosen for the reunion.

"We thought of letting the world know that the place exists and that the Rounds are very much a part of it,'' said Gordon Rounds, 67, of Sydney.

The family intends to record its history in Fiji through the future publication of a Rounds Family Tree booklet which will not only be a record of family members, but an insight into the various personalities.

Take the money, give us our land

Last updated 12/17/2007 -www.sun.com.fj

Twelve of the sixteen tokatokas (clans) of Sanasana Village which own the proposed multi-million-dollar Natadola golf project have refused to take thousands of dollars in lease money paid to them by Native Land Trust Board officials. The landowners refused to accept the payment from NLTB officials on Friday, saying they were unaware of a lease for Natadola, which is being developed for a world-class golf course resort. Sanasana Village development committee chairman Korowaiwai Jonetani Doro, a member of the tokatoka Koroiwaiwai, said NLTB officials told villagers that the money was for the new lease. He said they were shocked by the payment because they had not agreed to one. “How can we receive lease money on something we are not aware of?” said Mr Doro. “We told the NLTB officials money is not a priority to us, we need our land for the benefit of our younger generations.” The total area to be leased out is 1171.24 acres of land, he said. “If the land is leased, what will our future generations use for farming and other developments. Take your money and give us back our land,” he said, referring to NLTB. Mr Doro said landowners realised the importance of land and any dealing in relation to it would have to go through them. “Even though the NLTB has the right to administer our lands as stipulated in the Native Land Trust Act, it should at least consult us,” he said. “No consultation was done on the issuance of lease by NLTB and we don't know who the new lessee is.” Mr Doro said the subject land was leased by Natadola Land Holding (owned in partnership of the Fiji National Provident Fund and Hotel Pacific Property). He was informed by NLTB that the lease was terminated. “NLTB told us that the money that was supposed to be distributed was for the new lease they have issued on this same land whose lease was terminated,” said Mr Doro."They said this money was paid by the four contractors who are working on the land. "We (landowners) don't know who the four contractors are and how much they were supposed to pay." Mr Doro said anything to do with the issuance of the new lease the NLTB had to go through their lawyer, Tupou Draunidalo. Mataca stresses religious unity Last updated 12/17/2007 -www.sun.com.fj The Catholic Church promotes the unity of mankind, said Archbishop Petero Mataca at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Convention at the weekend. Addressing the subject on unity of mankind from the Christian perspective, Archbishop Mataca said the Catholic Church was promoting the unity of mankind through the restoration of unity among all Christians and giving deeper study to the Catholic Church and its relationships with other non-Christian religions. An example, he stressed, was the 1962 Pope John XXIII established secretariat for promoting Christian unity also known as Ecumenism. “Not in order to build a super-church but to accept the fact that they are members of one family and God is their common Father,” said Archbishop Mataca. “The dialogue, it is hoped, will promote the growth of brotherhood and sisterhood. At present a number of dialogues are going on. They are Anglican and Catholic, Methodist and Catholic, Lutheran and Catholic, to name but three.”

Tailevu Districts Differ on Illegal Charter View

Fiji Times - Thursday, December 13, 2007

Josefa Serulagilagi (left), Assistant Roko Sitima Naqaravatu and Ratu Epenisa Cakobau at the Tailevu provincial meeting in Nausori

THE Tailevu Provincial Council yesterday agreed to submit the individual submissions of tikina on the People's Charter to the Prime Minister's Office.

This was decided amid mixed signals on whether the charter was supported by most tikina in the province.

Council chairman Josefa Serulagilagi said while the many of the 22 tikina in the province were behind the charter, it was agreed to send the views of tikina individually, rather than in a collective statement.

"Because of the wide consultation work done by the government, it was thought best that it be done this way. In this way all the tikina views will be heard,'' said Josefa. "We want to collate all the written submissions and send them to the Prime Minister's office.''

Josefa said provincial officials who visited various tikina in Tailevu concluded that most of them supported the charter but some in the council chose to disagree.

"Most of us do not support it,'' said Tui Nawainovo Ratu Filimone Verebalavu.

Ratu Filimone said Josefa was just trying to push forward with his own views on the issue by saying that support for the charter from the tikina of Tailevu was unanimous.

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Restorative Justice Good for Fiji

Restorative justice ‘a healing process’

Last updated 12/5/2007 - www.sun.com.fj

The community plays a large part in dispute resolution and in fact is central to many of the local dispute mechanisms, says Bua Provincial Council chairman and former GCC member, Ratu Filimoni Ralogaivau. Ratu Filimoni said the community acts a monitor and arbitrator, providing an arena for private feelings to be vented in a public manner and acting as a safety measure and a sanctioning device to the confronting parties. “There are a number of traditional dispute settlement mechanisms that have existed in the Pacific societies for a very long time. Some follow simple forms of apology where minor disputes are settled informally between families,” said Ratu Filimoni. Whilst others take on a structured court like process with a formal assembly of disputants and community members presided over by a designated person or group of persons who act on behalf of the community, said Ratu Filimoni. He said restorative justice brings victims and offenders together in a safe and structured manner before the sentence was imposed. “Principles of restorative justice operate on the basis that offending behaviour may be prevented in the future if the offender is aware of the consequences of their actions and the harm caused.”

Tax privileges

Letter to Editor - www.fijitimes.com, 5 Dec 2007

Dividends from Fijian Holdings Unit Trust

A lot have been said and published in the media recently about tax privileges to Fijian Holdings Limited and Fijian Holdings Unit Trust. It is unfortunate that FHL and Fijian Holdings Unit Trust had been singled out, although the removal of tax exemption announced in the 2008 Budget Address was applicable only to the Unit Trust of Fiji. I therefore offer the following for the purpose of clarification.

Fijian Holdings Unit Trust was established in April 2001 to provide another investment opportunity to the growing investor communities in Fiji. It is open to all communities in the country and because of its low-entry level and competitive return it has become very popular particularly to our rural-based investors.

To imply that the tax exemption was enjoyed only by FHL shareholders and unit-holders of Fijian Holdings Unit Trust is a mis-statement. The fact is, all dividends paid out by the 16 companies listed on the stock exchange (and FHL is only one of them) are exempt from tax because the income has been subject to tax at the company level.

Similarly all unit-holders in the Unit Trust of Fiji, Colonial State Funds and the Fijian Holdings Unit Trust are enjoying the same privileges. These measures were part of the Government's policy to grow the capital markets in Fiji, which is consistent with measures taken in other developed markets. Funds under management in these locally-registered unit trusts have grown from over $60million in 2001 to close to $180million at end of 2006. Unit-holders in the Fijian Holdings Unit Trust only account for 21 per cent of the total 14,000 unit-holders in all the unit trusts in Fiji who enjoy such privileges.

Information with regard to dividend paid to the shareholders of FHL is available for public record at the Companies Office. Suffice to say that the company pays dividend at a rate of 20 cents per shares for A-class shareholders and 10 cents per share for B-class shareholders.

In conclusion, FHL and Fijian Holdings Unit Trust reiterate that their affairs are being conducted in accordance with law and for the benefit of their members. The companies will pursue legitimate commercial goals, and will continue to support the enhancement of the nation's economic stability in Fiji.

Jaoji Koroi
CEO - Fijian Holdings Trust Management Limited

Fijian Affairs Downgraded

Fijian Affairs surprise

Saturday, November 24, 2007

IN a surprise move, the interim Government has downgraded the Ministry of Fijian Affairs to department level.

Interim Fijian Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau declined to comment on the development.

The Budget Estimates index said the ministry was now a Department of Indigenous Affairs, Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs while Page 46 of the publication referred to the entity as a ministry.

It is understood the department will now come under the Office of the interim Prime Minister.

The Fijian Affairs Ministry was responsible for the preservation of the different cultures in Fiji, lease and land administration, education assistance and rural development.

The ministry was also responsible for the Native Land Trust Board and the Great Council of Chiefs two institutions under close scrutiny by the interim administration. Both have undergone extensive reviews.

It is understood that the restructure of the ministry is in line with the Cabinet reshuffle interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will announce in a week's time.

The confusion was also evident in the Budget Estimates book, with Pages 44 to 45 of the book empty, with the heading 'Refer to Page 24 and 25 for Public Enterprise Reform', as last minute changes were made late last night to some aspects of the restructure and reshuffle.

Once the change is implemented, Commodore Bainimarama will take on the responsibility of implementing a People's Charter which has an allocation of $4.6million. This will also include the Department of Information, which was also downgraded in the new Budget.

The Ministry of Industrial Relations, Employment, Youth and Sports has also been merged with Youth and Sports.

The Ministry of Agriculture has become the Ministry of Primary Industries and has merged with the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests.

The Ministry of Works has merged with Transport and Energy. The ministry was allocated $251million compared to $235million in the 2007 revised Budget.

The Ministry of Tourism has merged with Trade, Industry and Communication. The Ministry of Public Enterprise and the Public Service Commission will also come under the ambit of the interim Prime Minister's Office.

The Attorney General's office and the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Sugar remain the same.

Illegal Regime's Budget 2008

The ups and downs of State expenditure

Saturday, November 24, 2007

+ Enlarge this image

Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, right, at the press conference after handing down Budget 2008

THE State has announced a $1.52billion Budget with $1.2billion to be spent mostly on wages. Capital expenditure will take up $269million.

Allocations by department were:

-Office of the President, $1.56million (compared to $1.6million this year); Prime Minister's Office and People's Charter for Change, $5.14m ($5.64m for 2007);

-Public Service Commission and Public Enterprise, $13.7m ($13.9m);

-Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Sugar Industry, $90.24m ($104.3m);

-Ministry (Department) of Provincial Development, Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, $45.9m ($47.2m);

-Ministry of Defence, National Security and Immigration, $5.3m ($5.4m);

-Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Co-operation and Civil Aviation, $20.94m ($21.13m);

-Office of the Auditor General, $3.17m ($2.81m);

-Elections Office, $4.24m ($707,000);

-Judiciary, $12.38m ($12.11m);

-Legislature, $1.01m ($1.48m);

-Office of the Ombudsman, $1.47m ($1.42m);

-Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, $4.6m ($3.89m);

-Ministry of Justice, $2.01m ($2.12m);

-Fiji Prisons Service, $13.7m ($13.5m);

-Department of Information, $4.42m ($6.5m);

-Fiji Military Forces, $81.5m ($80.7m);

-Fiji Police Force, $70.53m ($69m);

-Ministry of Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, $25.5m ($26.1m);

-Ministry of Health, $139.5m ($150.8m);

-Department of Local Government and Urban Development, $3.52m ($3.96m);

-Ministry of Housing Women and Social Welfare, $32.2m ($29.2m);

-Ministry of Industrial Relations, Employment Youth and Sport, $12.43m ($13.32m);

-Ministry of Primary Industries, $58.7m ($62m);

-Ministry of Lands, Mineral Resources and Environment, $40.75m ($47.9m);

-Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Trade and Communications, $31.27m ($30.6m);

-Ministry of Transport, Works and Energy, $251.1m ($235.6m).

No charter yet, says Chand

Monday, November 12, 2007

A PEOPLE'S Charter has not been formulated yet because all there is so far is a proposal to develop a charter, says permanent secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, Parmesh Chand.

He said that in that regard, there was an extensive awareness and consultation campaign under way.

"Its objective is to explain to ordinary people the processes, the steps and the deliberations which will take place," Mr Chand said.

He said these changes would help develop a People's Charter for change and Progress over a period of 12-14 months.

"The Office of the Prime Minister therefore encourages members of the public and relevant stakeholders to express their views and to be part of the process to develop the charter," he said.

Mr Chand was reacting to comments made by Rewa one of the three largest provinces rejecting the proposed People's Charter for Building a Better Fiji. The province said it disagreed with efforts to ignore the existence of indigenous Fijians.

Ro Dona Takalaiyale, the leader of the Sauturaga clan and spokesman of the Rewa Bose Vanua, issued Rewa's position in a statement last week.

Ro Dona described the charter as "a creation of non-racial Fiji and written by two foreigners without input from Fijians or their elected representatives".

He also voiced concern about interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama's statements about his desire to abolish all communal seats through the People's Charter.

"Also Lt-Col Mataitoga's statement that Affirmative Action will be abolished under the charter. Also the charter is inconsistent with the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People's Article 3-5 where indigenous people are entitled to participate in the political life of the state," Ro Dona said.

"It is inconsistent with the 1997 Constitution where race is recognised as an integral element of the nation of Fiji."

Ro Dona said the Bose Vanua resolved to boycott any referendum or election that would be influenced by the charter.