The government has been urged to support the residents of Fiji’s most remote islands. Opposition MP and former Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau emphasized the reliance of these isolated communities on resources generated by the government.
He highlighted areas such as Yanuca, located between Rabi and Taveuni, and Ono-i-Lau, including Vatoa, noting the lack of resources and opportunities in these regions. “In agriculture, there is insufficient land for cultivation, and in forestry, growth is limited on rocky terrain,” Koroilavesau stated. He mentioned that only sparse vegetation exists, with occasional birds dropping sandalwood seeds, which could potentially be cultivated.
Koroilavesau called on the government to allocate resources and support to the Minister for Fisheries to aid these remote communities. He pointed out that islanders depend primarily on marine resources as their main source of income.