Sakiasi Rokovucago, chairman of the Fiji Mahogany Trust Board, has called on the government to restore a 10 percent shareholding for landowning units (LOU), a policy that was abolished under the Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010. He emphasized that many landowners are eager to participate in the mahogany industry but lack the necessary start-up capital, making their involvement challenging.
Rokovucago highlighted that reinstating these shares would provide essential equity for landowners, facilitating their engagement in the sector. He pointed out that without the government’s shareholding as financial assistance, acquiring machinery and other resources would be difficult for landowners.
Under the previous policy before 2010, the government held 90 percent of the shares while landowners retained 10 percent. Currently, the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) is entirely government-owned, limiting the potential for landowners’ participation.
While Rokovucago acknowledged the ongoing review of the MIDA Act, he urged the government to expedite the restoration of the 10 percent shareholding to allow landowners to raise essential capital. He reiterated that their ancestors contributed land for the government’s mahogany plantation with the understanding that landowners would receive equitable returns and active involvement in harvesting operations.
Rokovucago expressed concern about the change in administration leading to a disregard for previous agreements with the LOU. He noted the respect and trust that existed between the government and landowners, which has seemingly diminished over time, leading to frustrations about the delayed benefits from the mahogany industry.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has encouraged landowners to voice their concerns during the upcoming consultation for the Mahogany Industry Review. Meanwhile, FHCL’s general manager, Semi Dranibaka, stated that any changes would depend on the findings from the review task force currently conducting its work.
This call for the reinstatement of landowners’ shares illustrates an important step towards enhancing equity and encouraging participation in the mahogany industry in Fiji. As the government reviews policies affecting landowners, there is hope for a more equitable collaboration that honors the commitments made to the landowning communities.
In summary, the request from the Fiji Mahogany Trust Board for the government to restore the 10 percent shareholding for landowners reflects a desire for equitable participation in the mahogany industry, aiming to revitalize the relationship between landowners and the government and ensure that commitments made to the community are upheld.
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