The public consultation on the Rotuma Lands Bill 2015 and the Rotuma Bill 2015 was hailed a success by Viam Pillay.

Standing Committee on Social Affairs chairman Mr Pillay and his committee members were in Rotuma receiving submissions from the people on the island.

The Committee Members were Government Member of Parliament, Veena Bhatnagar and Ruveni Nadalo, Opposition MPs, Anare Vadei and Mosese Bulitavo.

Mr Pillay said they spent five days in Rotuma hearing submissions.

He said issues were raised about the Bills which would be handed over to the Solicitor-General for further clarification.

Mr Pillay said they were assisted by the District Officer Rotuma and the Government officials whilst on the island.

He said his team included a team from the Parliamentarian Secretariat and police officers.

“Most ordinary Rotumans had positive responses to the Bills whereas the others didn’t support it,” Mr Pillay said.

He said the Committee would further scrutinise the Bill before it was submitted in Parliament.

Mr Pillay said that they had received written submissions from Rotumans living abroad and locally.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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