A former senior police officer, Tevita Ralulu, has asserted that the contentious 999-year land lease in Toko was a calculated move to disenfranchise local landowners. At the heart of the dispute is the allegation that the original 99-year lease was mistakenly extended to 999 years due to an error made on a typewriter.
Representing the Tilivasewa landowning unit, Ralulu described the lease as illegal, claiming it was imposed by British authorities under an agricultural lease framework. The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has publicly acknowledged this contention, announcing its decision to surrender a 701-acre lease previously given to Eva Annie Easton and Harold James Thomas, a move that signals significant developments in this long-standing land issue.
The TLTB noted that the lessees had previously surrendered two parcels of land in 1937, followed by 26 subleases established between 1941 and 1944. The original lease’s transition to the TLTB occurred in 1970 following the demise of the original lessees. Ralulu contended that the 999-year lease should not have been enacted under the guiding British law intended solely for public utility, such as parks and churches.
Moreover, Ralulu emphasized the historical context of land sales during colonial times, alleging that these transactions were executed without proper oversight or consultation with the indigenous landowners. He referenced an intervention by then-Governor of Fiji, Sir Arthur Gordon, who halted unauthorized land sales but ultimately led to what Ralulu claims was an improper shift to a 999-year lease system.
These developments align with previous discussions that highlight the ongoing complexities surrounding land rights and ownership in Fiji. The government, under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s leadership, pledged to comprehensively review land lease claims to address historical grievances and promote justice within affected communities.
In a promising turn of events, the TLTB’s proactive measures to surrender the lease demonstrate a commitment to rectify past injustices, fostering a future that emphasizes fair treatment of landowners while also ensuring the rights of those currently occupying these lands. Such steps could lead to sustainable land management practices and improved relationships between all stakeholders, setting a hopeful precedent for resolving issues of land tenure in Fiji.
This situation invites optimism, emphasizing the significance of fair dialogue and collaborative solutions to restore rightful ownership and promote community welfare. The growing awareness and re-evaluation of historical land agreements reflect a broader movement towards equitable management of land resources, aiming to heal long-standing wounds within the community.
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