Ratu Naiqama Urges Unity to Unlock Collectively Owned Land

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu addressed Parliament on Monday, highlighting the underutilization of collectively owned land in the vanua and urging collaborative efforts to unlock its potential. He emphasized the shared responsibility of landowners and stakeholders to ensure that these resources are used sustainably and productively, with an eye toward generational equity and long-term resilience.

Ratu Naiqama called for unity among landowners, institutions, and communities, advocating for alignment of resource usage with practical and inclusive development priorities. He identified key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, housing, and energy industries as essential areas for generating livelihoods, enhancing food and energy security, and expanding economic opportunities.

The President stressed that meaningful progress hinges on strong partnerships rooted in transparency and trust among landowners, government, and private sector entities. He drew on iTaukei cultural values, particularly the concept of “sa i doko ni karikari,” which embodies the leadership qualities needed to propel development. This philosophy emphasizes vision, responsibility, unity, and a blend of traditional authority with modern realities.

Moreover, he called upon traditional leaders to take an active role in guiding community development while preserving cultural identity. The importance of proactive engagement from iTaukei institutions was underscored, with a call to seize development opportunities promptly. He concluded by stating that aligning land and resource use with national priorities could serve as a foundation for resilience, dignity, and shared prosperity.

This message signals a hopeful outlook for the future, as it calls for collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships to ensure that valuable resources contribute to the well-being of communities and the nation as a whole. The emphasis on cultural values and proactive leadership reflects a commitment to both progress and preservation of identity.