Naitasiri has concluded its provincial council meeting, joining the other 12 provincial councils in the country. The meeting was held at Tamavua Village on Thursday and marked the return of the paramount chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, who was released after more than a decade in prison.
The Qaranivalu requested the meeting’s venue to prepare for hosting next year’s provincial meeting, allowing the Vanua o Navuso sufficient time to get ready for this significant occasion.
A key decision from the council was its endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Council chairman Jone Baledrokadroka expressed optimism about the inclusion of UNDRIP, emphasizing its importance for indigenous people’s access and rights to traditional resources.
“UNDRIP is fundamental in today’s modern society, providing indigenous peoples with full rights. Implementing it in our laws is crucial,” he stated, noting that UNDRIP includes 46 articles that should be integrated into all legal frameworks. He highlighted Article 5, which focuses on the establishment of indigenous institutions, such as the recently reformed Great Council of Chiefs (GCC).
Regarding vacant land titles, Baledrokadroka affirmed the province’s goal of filling up to 80 percent of those titles by the end of the next year. He indicated that the Native Land Commission (NLC) would soon visit Naitasiri to facilitate this review, as the current rate of title holding stands at just over 54 percent.
The council also emphasized collaborating with the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) to improve road infrastructure in the province’s highlands. This topic has been a recurring theme at annual meetings, with Mr. Baledrokadroka stating that many villages remain accessible only through long treks or horseback rides.
In addition, education emerged as a pressing concern, with issues of teacher shortages, inadequate school infrastructure, and transportation difficulties for students being discussed. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro acknowledged these challenges and promised to address them, particularly the delays in transport and educational support payments.
Lastly, the province is considering establishing a business arm to enhance economic growth. Chairman Baledrokadroka mentioned exploring investment opportunities through financial assistance and programs from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB). TLTB’s chief executive presented at the meeting to outline business development support available to the province.
Overall, the meeting aimed to support indigenous rights while addressing economic development and infrastructure needs in Naitasiri.