Pine landowners across Fiji recently received a significant boost with the distribution of a $6 million bonus, marking a monumental advancement for the pine industry. This annual Lease Security Bonus Payment (LSBP), initiated in 2013, serves as a dividend for landowners reflecting the industry’s performance, bringing the total payout since inception to $42.5 million.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, expressed enthusiasm in delivering the LSBP, reiterating the vital relationship and appreciation for the resource owners leasing their lands to Fiji Pine Limited (FPL). At a ceremony held at the Fiji Pine headquarters in the Drasa Sawmill Complex, payments were made to representatives from 22 different Yavusas (tribes) and the Fiji Pine Trust.
Minister Bainivalu announced this would be the last ceremony of its kind, as starting in 2025, FPL plans to directly transfer dividends to landowners’ accounts based on the industry’s performance. She emphasized that the revenue from the pine industry, primarily through log sales to subsidiaries, not only supports landowners but also bolsters the local economy, fostering a sustainable future for the industry and surrounding communities.
Furthermore, Fiji Pine Limited Chairman, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, outlined the broader impact of the sector, noting it supports approximately 25,000 landowners across 422 landowning units and employs around 500 staff, along with services from over 15 contracting companies involved in logging and related activities.
In a demonstration of foresight, landowners from Yavusa Nasolo are already strategizing on how to utilize their shares from the recent payout. Mereoni Kulu, representing the community, indicated a strong focus on enhancing educational infrastructure, particularly for university students within the Yavusa. They have plans to invest in poultry farming, develop small businesses, and establish village canteens, alongside initiatives to empower women and single mothers through skill workshops.
This positive momentum showcases the collective effort of the Fijian communities as they harness the resources from the pine industry to foster development and uplift the livelihoods of their members. The planned investments exemplify a commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.
Overall, Fiji’s pine industry not only promotes economic growth but also solidifies community bonds through the wise allocation of resources, illuminating a path of opportunity for future generations.
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