The Chief Executive of the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Kemueli Naiqama, has called on key stakeholders to develop a distinct vision for Fiji instead of attempting to replicate Singapore’s economy.
Speaking at the iTaukei Land Trust Board Key Stakeholders Consultation in Suva, Naiqama stressed the importance of creating a vision that reflects the aspirations of Fijians. He remarked, “Let’s get out of this crazy idea for us to mirror Singapore,” and urged everyone to envision what they want Fiji to become.
Naiqama emphasized that the development process should focus initially on fundamental rights. He pointed out that Fiji annually imports $220 million worth of agricultural products that could be produced locally, advocating for self-sufficiency and food security as key measures in combating poverty.
In light of this, he suggested expanding consultations to grassroots levels, specifically to villages, to ensure that landowners are informed and involved in the overarching land use masterplan. He highlighted the significance of statistical data in decision-making, noting that a more informed public would promote ownership among the iTaukei regarding land management.
Naiqama also proposed the establishment of a financial organization dedicated to managing resources on behalf of landowning units, stating that despite the land wealth of the iTaukei, they have not yet fully benefited from it.