The Stewards Alliance on Resources (SAOR), which includes the Fiji Council of Churches, Social Empowerment Education Program Ltd (SEEP Fiji), and local landowner representatives, recently held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, to address pressing development issues affecting local communities.
Chantelle Khan, the Executive Director of SEEP Fiji, expressed her appreciation for the chance to collaborate with government officials. She remarked on the government’s readiness to engage in dialogue, saying, “Their willingness to meet with us shows an openness we deeply appreciate.”
Khan also acknowledged the Coalition Government for its efforts in the past two years to build a stronger democratic framework in Fiji. The Alliance praised the government’s initiative to create a detailed National Development Plan (NDP) through inclusive discussions but stressed the need to consider local community issues as the plan progresses. Archbishop Peter Loy Chong emphasized the importance of people-centered development, asserting, “The economy exists for the person, not the person for the economy.” His comments align with the Pacific Islands Forum’s emphasis on sustainable development in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
SAOR raised three key concerns about current development practices:
1. Unsustainable Resource Exploitation: Local leaders expressed alarm over the unchecked capitalism leading to the excessive extraction of natural resources. Apakuki Pita Toga from Saivou commented, “We are no longer plundering the earth for our needs but for our wants.”
2. Division Among Citizens: The Alliance highlighted that discrepancies in national laws have resulted in unequal benefits from development, creating division within communities. Residents near development sites often suffer negative consequences, while financial rewards primarily benefit landowners.
3. Accountability Challenges: The coalition raised concerns about the government’s ability to attract investment at the cost of local communities. Dominika Nariva from Namosi pointed out, “Development, as it stands, is not working for our women and children.”
The Alliance reiterated its commitment to the National Development Plan, stressing the importance of safeguarding Fiji’s natural resources for future generations. The coalition advocates for a collaborative approach to ensure development benefits are fairly distributed among all citizens, emphasizing the need to listen to local voices in the nation’s growth strategy.
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