Landowners in Monasavu, Naitasiri, are still seeking answers a significant court ruling from nearly two decades ago that awarded them over $50 million in compensation. Despite the ruling, many landowners, particularly those who turned 18 last year, report receiving no payments as promised.
The High Court’s 2005 decision stipulated that children listed in the compensation case would benefit from full payouts upon reaching the age of 18. However, complaints have emerged concerning the distribution of the funds, with some landowners, like Aisea Burelevu, claiming that their lawyer, Isireli Fa, took $5 million upfront, leaving the remaining funds inadequately distributed. Burelevu highlighted that, although $22.50 should have been owed to each child annually for 18 years, equating to over $800 by the time they turned 18, many received no money at all.
Frustration continues to grow among the Monasavu landowners, who find themselves directed from one office to another without clarity about the missing payments. Allegations have surfaced that others, who are not rightful landowners, have received substantial amounts, while the genuine landowners struggle to make ends meet. For example, the Mataqali Vatuba, which owns 2,457 hectares, reportedly receives only about $34.08 per payment cycle, leaving them with roughly $22.58 after fees and VAT.
The law firm overseeing the distribution has refused to engage with the media, asserting that all information has been provided to the landowners, and claiming the case closed. Nonetheless, no satisfactory explanations regarding the missing money have been given, fostering concerns over the transparency and fairness of the compensation management process.
The longstanding grievances raised by Monasavu landowners about their compensation payments echo the broader challenges facing Indigenous communities in Fiji regarding land rights and economic development. Strengthened discussions around these issues signal a growing recognition of the need for fair and transparent management of landowner funds, indicating a hopeful pathway towards resolving historical injustices and improving the conditions for affected communities. The engagement and advocacy by landowners may ultimately inspire a more equitable and accountable framework for compensation in the future.
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