Landowners ultimately hold ownership over the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), not its officials, including the Chief Executive. This critical point was emphasized by CEO Solomone Nata during the recent Farmers Economic Summit, where he established that TLTB officials are merely trustees serving the interests of the landowning units.
Nata, who hails from Lau, shared his perspective about the transitory nature of his leadership role, stating, “After all this, I will go back to my island, and someone else will take over this role, because it does not belong to me or any of the officials.” His clarification aims to reinforce the understanding among TLTB staff and the wider community about the centrality of landowning units to the Board’s mission.
This discourse aligns with previous encouragement for the TLTB to focus on community engagement and support for landowners’ decisions regarding their land’s future. The board has been under continued scrutiny to ensure transparency and effective management of land-related issues. As seen in other discussions, such as those surrounding fair compensation and land lease agreements, fostering constructive dialogues with landowners is key to building trust and improving governance.
In the same vein, proactive steps, including addressing misinformation and ensuring equitable solutions regarding land compensation, are essential for the Board’s continued influence and positive impact on the iTaukei community. Discussions that promote open communication have the potential to lead to a more prosperous future, ultimately empowering landowners and enhancing economic opportunities for the community as a whole.
By advocating for these principles, Nata is setting a hopeful tone for the future, underscoring the potential for growth and enhanced collaboration between the TLTB and the iTaukei landowners they serve.
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