It is abundantly clear that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama walks the talk on the Government’s commitment to protect our resources and environment.

His announcement that the Namosi gold and copper project, Namosi Joint Venture (NJV), is on hold, is a perfect example.

He said: “We have yet to be satisfied that the necessary environmental protections can be met.”

He said some of the commitment “comes at considerable cost.”

Mr Bainimarama made the statement when he launched the Green Growth Framework for Fiji document in Suva on Monday.

Referring to the Namosi mine project, he said: “The revenue from this mine could make Fiji wealthier, ease our budgetary constraints and provide our people with a range of extra services.

“But Fiji is not a nation where development comes at any price. This nation cannot be bought. And we insist that the preservation of our environment must always come first,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama said: “We have seen what has happened in other parts of the Asia Pacific when greed and the abandonment of proper process has caused long-term environmental harm.

“And I know I speak for every Fijian when I say we will never, ever, make the same mistake.”

He said achieving a Green Growth economy sometimes required sacrifices and “we are willing to make them.”

“In the sure knowledge that the true wealth of a nation will always be judged on the protection of its resources, their sustainable use and the wealth of the natural legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren,” he said.

“The entire ethos of my Government is to leave no Fijian behind and to meet the needs and aspirations of everyone.

“So our vision for national development is, above all, an inclusive one – to forge a national consensus.

“The best way for Fiji to move forward is to ensure that no project gets the green light unless it passes the sustainability test and is in the interest of all Fijians.”

Mr Bainimarama has not minced his words. They are crystal clear.

They are music to the ears of the Green Party and many of us who treasure our natural resources and our beautiful, clean environment.

–  Nemani Delaibatiki is the Managing Editor Training of the Fiji Sun.  He is one of the most experienced journalists in Fiji.