In July 1986, Fijian Affairs Minister Ratu David Toganivalu acknowledged the legitimate calls from the chief and community of Colo North for the establishment of a separate province. The emphasis on this request came during several meetings in the interior, led by district officer Anare Vuniwai, where the chiefs expressed their desire for autonomy.
Ratu David, who was also acting Prime Minister at the time, stated that while he noted the request’s validity, no formal application had yet been submitted to his Ministry. The call for a new province was reiterated during discussions aimed at revitalizing the Colo North Logging Company Ltd. Tui Naboubuco, Ratu Sakuisa Navakaroko, supported Ratu David’s intentions and highlighted the inefficiencies and expenses currently faced by the seven yavusa (sub-tribes) constituting Colo North.
Concerns raised by former managing director of Colo North Logging, Semi Ketewai, indicated that the dissolution of the province in 1942 had negatively impacted record-keeping, particularly in registering new births, which is essential for community welfare. Vuniwai noted that chiefs from all seven yavusa were united in their call for a distinct provincial identity, citing conflicting traditional obligations that currently strain local communities.
These discussions concerning provincial organization echo broader themes observed in more recent provincial council meetings across Fiji, such as those held by the Naitasiri Provincial Council, which also addressed indigenous rights and resource management. The incorporation of frameworks like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into local governance highlights a shift towards more localized autonomy and support for indigenous communities.
The pursuit of a separate province for Colo North not only reflects local aspirations but also resonates with ongoing efforts to strengthen indigenous governance and uphold their rights within Fiji. There’s a shared hope that these movements will lead to enhanced community engagement and better-recognized traditional structures, driving sustainable development aligned with the needs of the people.
This situation exemplifies a crucial moment for the people of Colo North, indicating a willingness to assert their identity and governance structure within the broader context of Fijian society. It is a representation of the ongoing dialogue regarding the importance of support for local communities and their traditional rights.
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