A recent dialogue between government ministers and landowners aimed at addressing crucial economic development issues in the provinces and improving consultations with local communities. Vitalina Duvuduvukula from Navunikabi in Namosi highlighted the importance of such discussions to protect natural resources. She expressed a long-standing need for ministers to listen to their concerns.
Duvuduvukula noted satisfaction with the dialogue and emphasized the necessity for development to be guided by effective communication channels. She criticized government agreements with investors, stating they often lead to short-term gains but create long-lasting negative effects for local communities. “Better consultation with the villagers is essential,” she added.
The dialogue featured Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica and Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu. Another landowner from Namosi, Mareta Nayadi, remarked that while the government may easily invite investment, the actual benefits of development are not reaching their women and children.
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, underscored the need for genuine people-centered development. Minister Vasu described the dialogue as a significant step in allowing landowners to express their concerns and emphasized the importance of early consultations to preempt potential conflicts. He stated that landowners often prioritize the long-term health of their land, which in turn encourages sustainable practices and conservation efforts.
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