The Fiji Mahogany Trust Board of Trustees is calling for an urgent review of the Fiji Mahogany Act, expressing concerns over delays that have frustrated landowners. Chairman Sakiasi Rokovucago emphasized that despite the People’s Alliance party pledging action within their first 100 days, nearly two years have passed without significant progress. He pointed out that the landowning units have been waiting for 15 years for this review and highlighted the negative impact of the delay on their interests.
In October, the Cabinet approved a review of the Mahogany Industry Development Act 2010 and the Licensing and Branding Act 2011, establishing a Mahogany Industry Taskforce Review Committee to manage the process and engage landowners through public consultations. The findings from this review are expected to be presented to Parliament by mid-March.
Mr. Rokovucago urged that the Review Committee takes into account essential aspects from the repealed Mahogany Act 2003. Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, reassured landowners that their input would be included in the review process. She explained that the mahogany industry, overseen by the Ministry of Public Enterprise, is already subject to specific regulations and pricing through the Mahogany Industry Council, which she chairs.
The intention behind the review is to reassess the council’s role in log pricing and potentially shift control to other stakeholders.
This ongoing dialogue between landowners and the government indicates a framework for improved governance and stakeholder engagement in the mahogany industry. With the promise of public consultations, there is hope that this review may finally address long-standing concerns and lead to meaningful changes for landowners.
In summary, the Fiji Mahogany Trust is advocating for a timely review of existing legislation affecting the mahogany industry, stressing the importance of addressing landowner concerns to foster a more equitable framework moving forward.
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