The Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, has emphasized that the economic empowerment of indigenous communities is a priority for the Great Council of Chiefs. Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Vasu highlighted the discussions from last month’s council meeting, which addressed the pressing need for economic advancement among the i-Taukei people.
He pointed out the alarming poverty statistics prevalent in rural areas, encouraging a shift from viewing these challenges as obstacles to recognizing them as opportunities for growth. “We have the resources but lack the means to convert them into monetary value,” Mr. Vasu stated, underscoring the need for the establishment of provincial economic units as vital for fostering economic development.
The council has endorsed a feasibility study on these economic units, aimed at optimizing resource utilization to propel economic growth. Mr. Vasu stressed that prioritizing economic empowerment is crucial and that measures must be taken to remove barriers hindering progress, suggesting the revitalization of industries like cocoa, which saw success in the 1980s, as a potential pathway.
Moreover, the meeting discussed the importance of evidence-based policymaking, citing a village profiling survey that will shed light on key socio-economic conditions throughout the provinces. Mr. Vasu also noted that the council evaluated the findings of the i-Taukei Lands and Fisheries Commission, which proposed ten recommendations for improved governance.
Additionally, the chiefs addressed the urgent need to combat violence against women and children, reinforcing their commitment to social issues alongside economic growth.
This commitment to economic empowerment and social justice highlights a positive direction toward building a more sustainable and thriving future for the i-Taukei communities.
In summary, the Great Council of Chiefs, led by Minister Vasu, is taking decisive action to enhance economic opportunities for indigenous people while also addressing critical social issues. Their focus on resource utilization and strategic policymaking reflects a hopeful outlook for meaningful change and development.
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