The government has been called upon to enhance the welfare of residents living in remote maritime islands. Opposition Member of Parliament and former Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau, highlighted that many isolated island communities rely heavily on resources generated by the government.
“Islands such as Yanuca, located between Rabi and Taveuni, as well as Ono-i-Lau and the southeastern island of Vatoa, lack essential resources,” said Koroilavesau. He pointed out that in terms of agriculture, the communities have little to no land for farming, and regarding forestry, there is minimal vegetation available on rocky terrains. He mentioned that only sparse bushes are found and suggested that the presence of birds might occasionally facilitate the growth of sandalwood through seed drops.
Koroilavesau urged the government to allocate resources and provide support to the Minister for Fisheries to aid these isolated communities. He emphasized that the islanders primarily depend on marine resources as their main source of income.